Do you desire to be weak?

What kind of question is that? Who wants to be weak?

Strong and weak are antonyms. They are complete opposites. So, how can weakness produce strength?

Defining Weakness and Strength in the Bible

Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology describes weakness as the following:

“While the Gospels often use the word “weakness” to describe the many illnesses Jesus healed, the concept of weakness is seldom used in a physical sense in Scripture. In fact, the incarnational theology of the Gospels sets forth the most important spiritual principle. The “infleshing” of the Word means that God’s power is most preeminently evidenced in human weakness.”

So weakness in the Bible is most often referring to the human sin condition where in we are helpless to save ourselves.

Strength on the other hand, refers to power. The only One who truly has power is God.

A lot is said about power in Baker’s Dictionary, but here is the gist:

“The biblical description of power relates primarily to God and people. Power is an inherent characteristic of God . It is the result of his nature. God’s kind of power is seen in his creation . His inexplicable power is the only explanation for the virgin birth of Jesus . Power is always a derived characteristic for people, who receive power from God , from political position , from armies , and from other structures that provide advantage over others. When humans perceive that their power is intrinsic to themselves, they are self-deceived.”

How Can there be Strength in Weakness?

Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say,  or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. -2 Corinthians 12:6-10 NIV

As we’ve already discussed, weakness is of the flesh. It’s a product of the fall. Paul’s weakness he speaks about here has been debated for centuries. Whether the thorn in his flesh is an actual physical ailment or a type of sing struggle is unknown, but what we do know is that his struggle was real and he let us know how this weakness made him strong.

1. Weakness Brings Grace

Paul said that he asked three times for God to take away this “thorn in the flesh” and God’s response was that “My grace is sufficient…”

Our default nature is comfort. We want everything just so. But, God knows that we need some struggles in order to understand grace.

When we admit that we are weak and can’t do it on our own, that’s when God’s grace is sufficient. His perfect comfort, peace, joy, and hope in the midst of trials swoop in and show us a level of satisfaction that we would never understand apart from Him.

I want God’s grace in my life. His grace allows us to know Him more intimately. And, also, it allows us to pour out grace on others. Paul expressed this in his opening part of the letter:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

The great thing about God’s grace is that He is freely giving (Rom. 3:24) of it when we ask. Hebrews 4:16 NIV says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

2. Weakness Produces Christ’s Power in Us

God also told Paul “my strength is made perfect in weakness.” It’s hard to imagine weakness producing power much less anything perfect, but it does.

Christ’s weakness on the cross produced the power that defeated death and sin forever. He was the perfect sacrifice.

The same power that raised Jesus back to life is the same power that saved us. It is available to us.

Paul told the Corithians in his first letter, “the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” (1 Cor. 4:20 NIV) We can’t just say His power is in us, we have to live like we believe it.

Admit our weakness and walk in faith even when it’s dark, even when its hard, and even when we can’t imagine where its headed!

Paul took it a step further, in verse 9, he also says, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.“

He is going to brag about how weak he is so that Christ’s power may rest upon him. Wow!

3. Weakness is Strength

Paul’s response to God was not to whine, complain, get angry, or walk away. Instead, he says, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (v. 10)

Paul not only accepts and boasts in his weakness but he says he delights in it. Paul wasn’t just facing a little daily financial struggle or frustrations with others. No, he was physically abused, verbally had his name drug through the mud, and experience imprisonment and danger on many occassions.

Weakness is strength because we finally accept that we aren’t in control and we aren’t saving ourselves. God is our only hope and He delights in rescuing and aiding His precious children.

Strength then rests on the One we give complete authority over to and its out of our hands. Like a newborn baby with its mother, we believe he is capable of providing our every need and defense.

Scriptures on God Being Our Strength

There are many scriptures that refer to the strength of God so we are going to focus on some that show how God is our strength in weakness. All scriptures are from the NIV Bible.

• The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7

• My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

• The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Psalm 118:14

• So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

• For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:25

•  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13

• But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Prayer Guide for 2 Corinthians 12

This simple prayer guide is to help us to focus on God’s strength and to claim the promises of His scripture. Praying scripture is powerful and transforms us.

Praise God for His Strength in Weakness

Lord, thank you that you are my strength in weakness. Right now I am struggling with _________ & I praise you for how you are giving me your grace and power.

God, I praise you for being strong and mighty on my behalf. I will keep my eyes toward you in my time of need.

Repent of Relying on Your Own Strength

God, please forgive me when I rely on my own strength and don’t admit my weaknesses. I need you.

Lord, I ask for repentance when I’ve been prideful in ______________. I want your strength to be made perfect in my weakness so that you are honored.

Request God’s Grace, Power, and Strength

Heavenly Father, please give me your grace. Show me how it is sufficient as I struggle with ____________.

Holy Spirit, give me strength and power to overcome fears, worries, and lies that hold me back from admitting what I am weak in and accepting your strength in its place.