2 Corinthians 12: 7-10
Today in staff meeting we were asked to share verses that have meant a lot to us throughout our lives. It was a really neat way to remember all of the things that God has taught us as well as all of the many promises to us in His Word so over the next couple of weeks I'm going to share some of my life verses with you.
Weakness: "the state or condition of lacking strength." (Google Search Engine)
Weak is not something that I have ever desired to be. I have often held strength in high regard and desire to look like I am in control and have everything figured out. My eyes widen and a smile grows whenever I see how-to posts about "having it all together" because maybe I can possibly glean new tips and tricks to somehow finally reach perfection in my own strength.
I can still remember the day I memorized these verses from 2 Corinthians because it was a huge kick in the teeth. I sat stunned for quite a while because I could not comprehend Paul's rejoicing in weakness - something that I had avoided for such a long time.
Since that day God has been teaching me lots on the topic of weakness - so much that I could write many, many blog posts. I've come to realize how completely weak and helpless I am; especially in comparison to a big God who created everything. However, I'm learning to no longer view weakness as a negative trait, but instead to embrace it because when I am weak and clinging to God with everything that I have is when I am able to take my eyes off of myself and see how strong the one I serve truly is.
I've spent more than enough time trying to be strong and failing miserable at it - I'm ready to be weak and rest in God's strength. I've come to realize that without my Father I am not even able to stand on my two feet, so I'm ready to sit in His loving hands. God doesn't want us to come to Him with our lives in order - he wants us to offer Him our broken pieces so that he can take them and make something beautiful out of them.
"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Chirst's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 12:7-10