Weakness.
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Weakness. As people, how are we not weak?
We are fragile and feeble beings. When strength vanishes we
are left with a feeling of despair. We especially see this in the limitations
of our physical weakness. When you push your physical strengths beyond measure,
no matter how hard you train and prepare, bones can still break and breathing
can still become hard. Physically we have limits and restrictions. Some people
spend their life obsessing over being physically strong and fit, trying
desperately to eliminate all weaknesses. However, spiritual weakness is very
different than the physical. Spiritually we can train and grow, but still feel
very weak. Spiritually, we are constantly being pushed to weakness, towards
letting go of our strengths. For me, spiritual weakness leads me to a place of
discomfort, a place were I no longer have control over the things of my heart.
As humans we do not enjoy our weaknesses, physically or
spiritually. We feel as though they need to be hid or suppressed. If all our
weaknesses where to be put out for all to see, how would that make us feel? For
me I would be humiliated and filled with shame at the sheer amount and weight
of my weaknesses. But I feel as though the more I grow with the Lord, the more
weaknesses become uncovered within me. JI Packer once said “The weaker we feel,
the harder we lean. The harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually, even
while our bodies waste away.” I love this quote, because it shows that our true
strength does not depend at all on the state of our physical body. Even while
our bodies start wasting away, we can grow and lean on the Sustainer of the
universe. But how does that work? If we are weak then how can we become strong?
To me, the statement that weakness can lead us into strength seems backwards.
But when I look back at how God has worked in my heart, it has been only
through my weakness. So how is that possible?
“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.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
Grace. In 2
Corinthians Paul makes it sound like God wants
us to be weak. His grace is sufficient, even in our weaknesses, failures, frustrations,
and inadequacies. When we give over our weaknesses to the Lord, He transforms
them into His strength. Does that mean we should boast about the fact that we
are inadequate, failing, and weakening people? Absolutely. If I were the
strongest person spiritually, then I would never be in any need of the cross.
If I had no failures or weaknesses, then why would I ever start to lean on
anyone other than myself? There would be no point. So for my ever present and
constant weaknesses I boast, I am thankful. For my weaknesses prove to me that
I can never be my own god; that I am in desperate
need of a savior. The only strength that can never fail me is the strength from
the Creator. So praise God. Praise God
for your weaknesses and failings, because from them we have grace. Grace that
gives us the chance to lean into the arms of the Father, grace that allows us
to be weak and find strength in the only One who can sustain. Weakness is
painful and hard at times, but is a gift that I will boast in.
“Let us then with confidence
draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to
help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16