Practical Living

Strength for Weakness

We all have them, and we usually detest them. They frustrate us, discourage us, and sometimes drive us to our knees in desperate prayer. I’m talking about weaknesses.

A weakness is the absence of some positive quality in an object or person; something that is lacking or deficient. In people, it can be a character flaw, a bad habit, a circumstantial impediment, a physical affliction, a spiritual, emotional or relational vulnerability –– some kind of inadequacy that trips us up, holds us back, and limits our potential.

Our human tendency is to highlight our strengths and hide our weaknesses. Admitting our weaknesses runs counter to pride. The view is that weakness is a bad thing. We all want to be perceived as strong, capable, competent, high-caliber people. In the minds of most folks, exposing weakness is something to be avoided at all costs.

While weakness can be a bad thing, according to the Bible it can be converted into something good if we handle it the right way. If we follow God’s plan when dealing with personal weaknesses, what are now liabilities can become incredible assets.

The Apostle Paul learned this lesson. As he prayerfully struggled with some weaknesses in his life, God spoke some transformational words to him. Take a look at what the Lord said to Paul about his weaknesses, and how Paul responded:

"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 … For when I am weak, then I am strong." –– 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NIV)

Paul learned, as we should, that weaknesses are great opportunities for God’s grace. When we admit what we lack, where we’re deficient, how incapable we really are, we open a window to great blessings from God. He pours in His grace, His strength, and His power that overcomes and overwhelms our weaknesses. He accomplishes, in and through us, what only He is capable of doing. He transforms our weaknesses into strength!

Where are you weak? What are you struggling with in your life, your circumstances, your character? What deficits are draining and limiting your possibilities and potential? Let these weaknesses draw you into a deeper dependency on God. Know that these weaknesses are great opportunities for God to show Himself strong in and for you. Your weaknesses make you a candidate for His great grace!

Dale O'Shields

For more information, visit the Church of the Redeemer's website.
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