True Strength

                                            

Weakness is defined as: lacking strength; a quality or feature regarded as a disadvantage or fault.


Weakness is a word that permits a clear negative connotation in our culture. The last thing we would want someone to say about us is; we are weak. More importantly, we go to great lengths to cover or hide our weaknesses. We are taught to keep pushing, trying, and appear that we have it all together. If we offer or show an apparent weakness we are considered inadequate. Although in some aspects of life a weakness can be a hindrance, in our spiritual life it is considered a great gift.

Unfortunately, our attitudes of self sufficiency and need to be strong leak into our spiritual lives. Our mere humanity and desire to have it all together totally barricades the power of God right out of our lives. In our attempt to look good, stay strong, and positive we tell God, I got this. I don't need your power in my life. I am good. It also shows others a false sense of ourselves and who we really rely on. By allowing others to see us in our weakness and in our great need for Christ they realize it is our dependence on Him that sets us apart. Not that we have it all together. Somewhere along the way we have adopted the concept that acknowledging our difficulties is complaining. We push on and push through all by ourselves. The ways of Jesus are so contrary to the ways of the world.

 In order to release his power in our lives we must first acknowledge our weakness. This is usually easier the bigger and more difficult the circumstance. However,  just resting in our weakness and the impossibilities of the situation is not enough. We must acknowledge the capabilities of Christ in faith to strengthen us and lead us through our circumstance.

Paul states in 2 Corinithians 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, I am strong."

The weaker we are and the less strength we possess in our own merit, allows for His strength and power to be magnified in us. This is a power that is unexplainable. Therefore, He receives the glory and others are drawn to him; not us. We find freedom in the power of Christ; not exhaustion and the need to be perfect.

This concept is one that hits close to home for me. I have always been driven and tried to achieve perfection. As I have continued to journey with my son Benjamin after a massive stroke during heart surgery, my eyes have been opened to just how powerful our weakness can be. In our fight to give Benjamin the best life possible and overcome very surmounting odds I have come face to face with my own weaknesses, lack of control, and slowly learned to embrace my great dependence on Christ.

God has used my sons weaknesses to show His glory and faithfullness as he continues to overcome difficulties and live for Him. In his weakness he has been made strong. The progress Benjamin has made can only be explained through the power of Christ and we give him all of the glory!