Leaning into Weakness

Lesson from Scripture

As I sat down to write this (of course I procrastinated until Sunday night) I felt so tired, and the thought of researching a topic and constructing a well-articulated post made me even more exhausted. But God has given me the opportunity to write.

I’m naturally an introvert. I do love people and being part of a community, but a day full of interaction wears me out. But God wants me to serve others.

Getting up in front of a crowd makes my hands shake and my face turn red. But God has called me to teach His Word and preach the Gospel.

Sometimes when I pray I’m overcome by doubt and exasperation, unsure if my prayers are making a difference. But God has invited me to partner with Him in prayer.

In 2 Corinthians chapter 12, the Apostle Paul wrote about a “thorn in his flesh.” Scholars guess that it may have been a physical ailment or someone opposing his ministry. Whatever it was, it was probably a lot worse than my introverted struggles or stage fright.
Paul wrote in verses 8-10,

I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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, then I am strong.
(ESV)

Paul didn’t let the thorn in his flesh stop him from being faithful to what God had called him to do. In fact, he leaned into his weakness. He saw it as an opportunity to experience Christ’s power and grace. He even equates being weak with being strong!

Don’t let your fears, doubts, struggles, or personality traits hold you back from being faithful to what God calls you to do. When you see your weaknesses as opportunities to put God’s power on display, you open yourself up to be used mightily for His glory. Lean into your weakness and let Christ make you strong.