When I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (TPT)
My Weakness – Weaker/Stronger Series – Part 1
“The extraordinary level of the revelations I’ve received is no reason for anyone to exalt me. For this is why a thorn in my flesh was given to me, the Adversary’s messenger sent to harass me, keeping me from becoming arrogant. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this.
But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted!
For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.” 2 Cor 12:7-10 (TPT)
This passage has been a source of comfort and encouragement for most, if not all, of us that have come across it. I have vague memories of singing songs about it, too.
I've told stories of times when, in my weakest hour, Christ has filled me with strength, and it’s only been because of Him that I've made it through.
That’s the part I focus on. Christ’s strength.
I haven’t revelled much in the idea of the thorn in Paul's side. I haven’t dwelled on the fact that Paul’s desperate prayer wasn't answered the way he wanted. I haven’t even begun to consider the eventual joy and delight that Paul felt when in sight, and in full expression, of his weaknesses.
Sure, after the fact, I’ve thought: “Phew! Thank God my weakness is now out of sight, out of mind, and that Christ's strength really came through for me…”
I tell the testimony, but in a way that dresses up and veneers my weakness.
But in this passage, the delight Paul is talking about is not a “past tense, thankful joy.” It's a present tense, if not a joyful expectation, of the delight he has in his weaknesses.
I don’t know about you, but I’m painfully aware of my many weaknesses, and I don’t exactly love it when they come into play.
I’ve spent much of my life hiding my weaknesses, disguising them, dressing them up, stuffing them in a proverbial closet and throwing away the key, hoping no one will ever find them.
What about you? I think we all do our fair share of hiding and secret grace stock-piling…
But if grace is enough, why are we so ashamed of the fact that we need it?
“A man desperately seeking to maintain and project a certain image of himself can never laugh at himself. Equally tragic is that he can’t weep over his mistakes or anyone else’s; he must fix or change them. He is too needy of being perfect, too earnest, too “moral,” and too full of himself – thus, the pain of the world can’t reach him nor can he be sympathetic to others. A man so dependant on his own image is likely to pursue salvation compulsively. He must “Be saved,” has to do whatever is required for holiness, for success, for being right. He can neither week nor laugh, because he cannot imagine being loved except by trying real hard. Grace has become an impossibility, and it is grace that engenders both laughter and tears.” Richard Rohr, “On The Threshold of Transformation” Pg 209.
Go to Part 2 – Revelation Light »
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