Becoming Weak

Becoming Weak
Jesus to the World!
Terry R. Baughman

“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” (2 Corinthians 12:9 TPT). 

In the Scripture we often find expressions that seem to be a paradox, an apparent contradiction that ultimately proves to be true. Statements like, “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant,” or “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11 and Luke 14:11 NKJ). Another prominent paradox is expressed by the Apostle Paul, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 NKJ).

Weakness and strength seem to be in opposition; it is one or the other. However, the teaching of Scripture shows another view, that both can be present at the same time. The tension of polar opposites reveal a greater truth, weakness is not the absence of strength, but the source of greater power. In our utter dependence on God we can tap into the miraculous resource of supernatural strength. 

As we learn to rely on God for our strength, He becomes our sustainer, provider, and the strong foundation upon whom we can build our lives. In a parable of contrast Jesus taught the value of having the right foundation. One man built upon the sand, while another built upon the rock. Both construction projects may have looked pretty much the same from every appearance. However, when the windstorms and torrential rains came and battered the houses, only one survived the storm. Obviously, it was the one build upon the strong rock. Regardless of our careful construction and how much effort goes into assuring its durability, our foundation in Christ is the most critical element to remaining faithful throughout the storms of life.

Faith in Jesus and dependence on Him is essential to a victorious Christ-life. The more we recognize our own inability, the more assurance we have that we can stand strong in Him. In Hebrews chapter eleven, we read a long list of people of faith throughout Scripture. Then, the chapter turns and speaks of those who suffered and died. Some seemed to be defeated by the opposition. However, the writer saw them as victorious, even in their struggles. He said, “… Although weak, their faith imparted power to make them strong! Faith sparked courage within them and they became mighty warriors in battle, pulling armies from another realm into battle array” (Hebrews 11:24 TPT). There is a powerful source of incredible reserves, “pulling armies from another realm,” available through faith, even at our weakest point.

Paul tapped into this great truth. He wrote from his own observation, “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 Corinthians 12:10 TPT). A contemporary worship song by Ellysa Smith and UpperRoom reminds us, “It may look like I'm surrounded, but I'm surrounded by You!”  The more overwhelmed our situation appears to be, the greater the opportunity to see God’s power at work in our lives. 

How is it possible to celebrate weaknesses and delight in disappointment? It is only possible when we recognize Jesus is our source of strength, and His unlimited power enables even greater victories as the Lord fights the battle in our behalf. When we recognize our limitations we begin to draw strength from the One who knows no limits. When we follow Him in humility and repentance, we will find Jesus to be more than sufficient for every challenge. Perhaps our greatest strength is in our ability to become weak before Him!

Theme passage:
“We are ambassadors of the Anointed One who carry the message of Christ to the world, as though God were tenderly pleading with them directly through our lips. So we tenderly plead with you on Christ’s behalf, ‘Turn back to God and be reconciled to him’” (2 Corinthians 5:20 TPT).