Turn your weakness into a gift

2 Corinthians 12:9 - And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Paul was from a devout Jewish family in the city of Tarsus where one could receive a superior education. He studied under Gamaliel who was the teacher of the law and was honored by all people. Tarsus was a rich city because of trade and it is safe to assume that Paul was rich as he inherited his family’s tentmaking business. Before his conversion, he was the most likely candidate to become the ruler of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. He leaves his dreams of being the most powerful person aside for Christ. Yet we never see him boast about his education, power or wealth. He gladly boasts in his weaknesses that the power of Christ may rest upon him (2 Corinthians 12:9).  

We never boast in our weaknesses. Weaknesses show how fragile we are and we usually tend to hide them. We are all born with weaknesses (Ephesians 2:1-3). God chose us knowing that we were weak for the purpose of being holy and without blame (Ephesians 1:4). Our weakness is a good thing because it provides a gateway for God to perfect His strength. God perfects His strength in our weaknesses and not in our strengths. As we grow in Christ, we go from weakness to weakness allowing God’s strength to take perfection in our lives. Our weakness when surrendered to God, becomes a gift.

Psalms 147:10-11: He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.

God loves us when we depend on him. He takes immense pleasure in those who trust him especially in their weaknesses. For God’s grace to be grace it has to be unmerited or it won’t be grace but works (Romans 11:6). We become qualified in our confessed weakness for His grace. Our weakness attracts God's strength in our life.

Samuel Thomas (Sam)

Sam is a Christian minister who is serving the Lord in various capacities. He is an integral part of MTU, New Delhi and is also ministering with Crossway Church. He can be reached on samvthom16@gmail.com