Can weakness really be a strength?

Can human failings, flaws, weaknesses and shortcomings be counted in the list of strengths?

At first glance, it seems rather ridiculous. However, digging deep into the Bible, we find Paul making this rather unusual claim –

“I will boast only about my weaknesses” (2 Corinthians 12:5)

Huh? What a weird thing to say! Don’t people usually boast about what they’re good at?

When Paul prayed to the Lord to take away his “thorn in the flesh”, he was given this reply –

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Here we see two remarkable things – God’s grace and God’s power.

What is grace? Grace is “unmerited favour”. It means, though I deserve something negative for what I’ve done, I am pardoned because of this divine favour. It says, though I haven’t done anything good enough to defend myself, I am still justified due to this undeserved favour.

This grace of God is what keeps me going each day. It fills my heart up when I am low, gives me hope when I feel lost, reminds me that I am loved, even though sometimes I feel rejected or unworthy.

God’s power is something awe-inspiring and which cannot completely be described by mere words. His word holds the power of creation itself! Didn’t the lame walk, the blind see, and the deaf hear by the very same word? Didn’t the planets spin, the sky roll, the clouds form, the seas sprawl, the birds chirp, the animals prowl and crawl and hoot and roar when He merely spoke? His touch - isn’t it enough to change a life? His look - isn’t it enough to see into the depths of one’s very soul? His wisdom too deep, His reach too high, His love too inexplicable, His compassion too marvellous, His faithfulness too wide and His work too impressive to even begin to fathom! That is God’s power! It is beyond anything we will ever be able to imagine or think of.

And here we find this awesome power is available to mere mortals like us, but only in the presence of weakness. God opposes the proud (James 4:6). He identifies him from afar (Psalm 138:6). He stands against a person who says, “Hey, I’ve got it all together! I can do everything on my own. I don’t need anyone’s help”. It’s basically like pushing away any help that is available and can easily be given to him. He’s a vessel who says, “I am already full”. But, when a person in humility accepts his weaknesses, confesses his shortcomings, is pretty bare about his failings and his flaws, now that’s a good vessel to fill up with power - not just any power, God’s power. “His power works best in our weakness”. Do you have one or two or three….or countless? Then consider yourself blessed, because that is the quality check you need to pass to receive the unfathomable power of God in your life.

Paul goes on to say –

“So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

It is God’s grace that helps us get through each day.

It is God’s power that equips us to make each day a victorious one.

Not on our own of course! That’s an impossible feat. It’s like trying to make an aeroplane run on motor bike fuel – it just won’t be enough.

However, having this power in us is like a phone on full-charge all day, every day. Good weather, bad weather, impossible situations, unfair treatments, slander, pain, grief - whatever the day holds, this power will help us to get through it all and emerge victorious!

Paul concludes fantastically –

“For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Wow!

A classic example of a weak vessel whom God filled and used mightily was Paul. Another stunning one was Gideon. Take a look at what he says about himself when God asks him to save Israel from the Midianites –

"How can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!" (Judges 6:15)

In spite of Gideon’s background, God says he should “Go with the strength he had” (Judges 6:14). And later, God makes this sensational statement –

“I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.” (Judges 6:16)

How can one man defeat an entire army, as if it were just against one man? Is it humanly possible? That too one with absolutely no military training or experience at war? Strange. However, the crux of the entire story lies in the fact that it wasn’t Gideon or his strength that got Israel delivered. It was Gideon’s utter humility and absolute obedience to say, “Yes I’m weak, yet I’ll take up the task You give”, which in turn enabled God to outpour His strength into Gideon. Game over, Midianites!

In fact, Gideon agreed to take it up knowing full well that he wouldn’t be able to pull it off on his own. In essence, we could say that Gideon’s acceptance of his inability activated God’s ability to manifest in his life, and it had a huge impact not only on a single man’s life, but over an entire nation! Victory was theirs through God!

Has God called you to something much bigger than you? Don’t think He has called you to figure everything out on your own. Don’t think He has picked the wrong candidate. God always calls us knowing our whole story, knowing us better than we know ourselves, knowing us inside out. He has called you to trust and obey Him, and surrender yourself to Him so He’ll take up your fight as His own and give you the grace and strength needed – not just to survive, but to thrive! Rest assured that “He who began a good work in you is able to complete it in you” (Philippians 1:6) He has not let down anyone yet, and He’s not about to anytime in the future either. Victory is ours through Christ! (Romans 8:37)

Do you want this awesome strength to fill your weaknesses too? Do you have areas in your life which shout, “You’re a weakling, loser?” Have you tried to fill your empty spaces with your own strength? Quit trying on your own and failing. Help is available – not just any help, but God’s. Don’t be hesitant. We have a generous God. Talk to Him. He is impartial and awaiting your request. Only when we admit we need His help can He step in and change the game. He’s a game changer! Trust Him and you won’t be disappointed. It’s like I always say –

“Weak vessel, strong God!”