Now and Not Yet by Ruth Chou Simonsናሙና

If you know anything about the apostle Paul, you know he has lots to say about being in a position of weakness. I think Paul was eager to boast about his weakness because before he surrendered his life and knew Christ as his redeemer, he knew the opposite of earthly weakness.

Paul was a heavily credentialed Jewish religious leader. He was learned, perfect in his religious behavior, and respected by his community. He had every achievement that shines up a résumé. If he had been looking for confidence based on his credentials, pedigree, or power over others, he’d certainly have found it. But all that changed when he encountered the living Jesus Christ. The strength he drew from religious efforts and self-reliance paled in comparison to the strength he drew from the riches of God’s grace and the gift of forgiveness and reconciliation with God on account of Christ.

When Paul became aware of his own sin and insufficiency, the religious formula for strength and power proved to be what it truly was: worthless. Instead, he received Jesus’ credentials and righteousness. In the most upside-down way that only makes sense in light of God’s love, Jesus endured weakness—he was mocked, beaten, and bruised—so that helpless sinners like you and me could ultimately stand strong in a restored relationship with God.

And this is the good news: when we, weak and without hope in our own strength, choose to come under the shelter of God’s forgiveness through the blood of Christ, we are made strong in the Lord.

This gospel hope is the anchor for understanding Paul’s ability to embrace weakness when God chose not to remove a weakness Paul called his “thorn” (2 Corinthians 12:7). . .

Because we have the same gospel hope as Paul, I believe God offers us the same provision he did to Paul: his strength is made perfect in our weakness. His power is on display in our lack. He is enough when we come up short. In the kingdom of God, weakness is a superpower. Because in God’s kingdom, strength and weakness are not opposites; they are synchronistic with the rule and reign of Christ.

Prayer

Father, I know that I am weak and that you are powerful and almighty. Thank you for using my weakness to increase your kingdom. Amen.