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. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (TPT)
Yet Stronger – Weaker/Stronger Series – Part 4
Go to PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3
Once I heard that I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. (MSG.)
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. (NKJV.)
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. (ESV.)
So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ. (AMP.)
So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! (TPT.)
2 Corinthians 12:10.
This a verse that I have a considerable amount of trouble with, in all the translations, and in all the ways. Appreciate the gift of weakness (it’s a gift?!)? Delight in weaknesses? Take pleasure in infirmities? Content with hardships? Pleased with difficulties?
Yep. This one is tough. Seemingly impossible.
Except when you consider this: perhaps perfection and sinlessness and brute strength and domination and conquering and achievement and success are not the goals. Maybe there is no ladder to climb.
“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 12:10.
The pathway to exaltation is humility. And exaltation isn’t a “pedestal in the spotlight” moment.” I think it's where you are your truest self. Known and loved, knowing and loving. Humble, courageous, vulnerable, honest. That is what strength looks like. No airs and graces, no cover-ups or pretending, no best foot forward. Just you. All of you.
Don’t confuse owning your weaknesses with indulging them. Everyone who is a part of the recovery movement knows the difference between the two. To know that your an addict is empowering. To give into your addiction is to forfeit your power. But there’s a whole lot of grace for the thin line between the two.
Dr. Brené Brown said:
“I now see how owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”
It’s what makes us strong.
Do I like getting acquainted with my weaknesses? Do I enjoy owning up to my needs and hardships? Do I embrace persecution and ridicule with warmth and fidelity?
I’m working on it.
What I battle with most is my pride. And the fact that I can’t work for grace, I can only receive it. I am at the mercy of Divine compassion. Which is, of course, limitless and disregarding of my successes, achievements, and apparent worthiness of it.
Own it. And love yourself while doing so. It’s difficult; I get it. But grace, grace, grace… There is a reason why it’s the bravest thing you’ll ever do.
And you can do it.
Go to Part 5 – Weaknesses and Suffering »
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