Hidden Strength in Weakness

Hidden Strength in Weakness

By Paige Snedeker

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

9 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

Strength comes in many forms: emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual. Finding strength is never an easy thing. Life has a way of catching up to us. I've always been told how strong a person I am, but the truth is, I'm not. Now you may be wondering, how can you find the strength to carry on? And yes, I have been through the wilderness of the unknown. So, how did I find my strength? The answer was hidden in a place I never expected.

The Apostle Paul

There are many amazing characters in the Bible. God used them all in special ways. One of these characters is the Apostle Paul, a man who was imprisoned many times for proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. He inspired and influenced millions with his letters. I have always been drawn to Paul for his humility and faith. One passage of Scripture that has always stuck with me is 2 Corinthians 12:9–10:

“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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Weakness is a very vulnerable thing. No one wants to feel weak.

When Paul says, “For when I am weak, then I am strong,” what does that mean? It means that when we experience weakness, we look to Jesus for the strength to persevere. When we let Him take the lead, He gives us the strength we need to endure. As a result, our faith in Him grows stronger. I can't imagine how Paul was able to find such supernatural strength. He was just a man like the rest of us. Rather, he relied on God's power and found strength in his weakness.

How I Live in Weakness

Do you see where my strength comes from? When I look at Paul's story, I see a portrait of my own life. As someone who lives with disabilities, I am often faced with weakness—overwhelming weakness. I've had to learn to give everything, including my weakness, to the Lord. I ask Him for the strength I need to live each day.

Right now, as I am writing this blog, I've been face-to-face with a great deal of pain, both emotionally and physically. I didn't know how I could write, but it is by the power of Jesus Christ that I have been able to do it. When we go through situations filled with pain and suffering, God can use each trial to reveal a hidden strength within us and deepen our walk with Him.

Friends, the secret is clear: hidden within our human weakness is the strength that Jesus provides. I know weakness isn't easy. When we surrender our weakness to Him, we find the grace that strengthens us.

Prayer

Beloved Father, thank You for being the One who gives us strength. You have done more than we could ever do. You willingly went to the cross, taking on human weakness so that we could experience Your strength. Through that sacrifice, You gave us freedom and the strength to persevere. Your love for us is stronger than anything, even weakness.

We ask You today to fill us with the strength that only You can provide. In Your precious Son's name, Amen.