I’ve never wanted to be prideful. Yet, I laugh because even that desire hides a point of pride. In fact, I’m full of it! And I am grateful when the Lord points out all the many facets. Here is a big one. I never want to be or appear to be weak. I’m the protector of my family.  I’m a macho man, after all (so Jan tells me). 

Therein lies my problem. My strengths are also my weaknesses. My strengths include my natural abilities, talents, training, and gifts. At best, my strengths will have fleeting value. What is not wholly received from God and consecrated to Him, filled with His nature and character and used by Him for His purposes will actually work against me in the long run. 

On the other hand, my weaknesses require the renewing, restoring grace of God. I am quicker and more willing to recognize my desperate need for Him and His nature and character. So, it’s what He will empower and can use the most. 

After Paul had experienced being taken up into the third heaven, he said this: “I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell. That experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses” (II Corinthians 12:4-5).

Anchoring himself to what only God could do. Paul said, “If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God” (vs. 6-7).

We want to be a trustworthy voice. May it be said of us that Jesus can be seen in our lives and heard in our message. Simply because He is all we have to offer. 

Jesus told Paul, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Paul responds, “So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me” (vs. 9-10). 

We can see our weaknesses more clearly when we are struggling through troubles, accusations, or betrayals. Jan and I have been putting the words of Jesus into practice. We tell Him:

     Thank you for lighting this dark place.

           Your grace is enough.

           Your power works best in my weakness. 

           My weakness is a portal to your power.