Strength In Weakness

“But he [The Lord] 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, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

I am trying a new hobby with my teenage daughter: kickboxing.

Now, those who know me might giggle at the idea of me in spandex pants, a tank top, and hair plastered to my forehead with sweat. They might really fall over on the floor with laughter at the idea of me in boxing gloves when I don’t even like to break a nail. And here’s the truth: I can laugh at myself just as well!

I went to my first workout last night in a red and black gym with loud rock music, a rubber floor mat, and an annoying buzzer that flashes green and red when its time to move to the next station. Nine stations in all, ranging from squats, punching bags, kicking bags, to jumping rope and working with medicine balls. My daughter and I finished up our 30 minute work-out, guzzling down water and wiping sweat off our faces. Our muscles felt like noodles, our hearts were pounding, our faces were red, and we felt….great!

One thing that became abundantly clear to me was how weak I really was. As a newbie, I made tentative punches to the bag, my coordination to kick a large hanging bag found me stumbling for balance, and squats and barbells left me closer to the ground than above it. I have a long way to go, and much training to do to gain my strength.

And so it is with life and faith….

As I reflect on my new hobby, I realize that there is a learning curve and it may take a lot of time to see results. I think sometimes of life and how it’s like nine stations— seasons where we sense our lack of strength. We lack a skill set. We lack energy. We lack time. We lack love or relationships or hope or joy. We are weak, and we know it.

Thankfully we have a God who revels in our weakness. It doesn’t bother Him. In fact, the weaker we are, the more He can use us. The more He can fill us with His strength. The apostle Paul reflected on his weaknesses and all he was going through and recognized that God’s power is made perfect in his weakness. He not only experienced Christ’s power in his weakness, but in fact, DELIGHTED in them.

Where are you feeling weak in your life today? What seems lacking to you? Find peace in the words of Paul, that when you are weak, God’s grace is sufficient. His power is made strong. And with Him, you can do anything!

Prayer- “Gracious God, you know my weaknesses. You know where I need your strength. Help me to rely on you wholeheartedly in all situations, and to trust in your grace and mercy. I pray your power will be made perfect in me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”