Our weaknesses can be a strength

Dear friend

Do you ever get annoyed at yourself because of a personal weakness? Have you prayed more than once that this imperfection in your character be removed? The Apostle Paul was troubled in this way and he spoke candidly about it in the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

If you have a "thorn in the flesh", such as being drawn to some sin, or a negative mindset, or an inability to do something, then there is likely a reason for it. It sounds like Paul's weakness kept him grounded. It didn't stop him praying for its removal; that is, until he understood the purpose of having weaknesses.

Have you ever considered how "strength is made perfect in weakness"? Paul realised that his weakness caused him to require God's good grace to come upon him; and it was surely "sufficient". Indeed, it turned around Paul's thinking. He was glad to glory in his imperfections if it meant he experienced Christ's power.

Can you imagine taking pleasure in the reproaches, distresses or persecutions that result from your weaknesses? Maybe we need to think about our challenges differently. If you didn't have them there would be no need for Christ to be a force in your life. But we want Him in our life, surely. He allows us to demonstrate humility, faith and how we are making gradual progress as we master our weaknesses, with Christ to strengthen us.

I hope we can reappraise our weaknesses, in particular how they increase our need for the Lord to be involved in our lives. I pray we come to see more clearly how, when in our weakness if we call on the grace of Jesus Christ for help, we may actually be at our enhanced strongest.

Samuel.