Living Open-Handed: Devotions for Surrendering Control and Finding Joy in the UnexpectedSample

Boast in Your Weakness

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. II CORINTHIANS 12:9

During my last two pregnancies, which were especially difficult, I had a few strangers message me saying, “Make things right with God. This difficulty is happening because you’ve done something wrong.” How sad for them to believe trials meant God’s judgment, and how hopeless they must feel when life does get tough.

Some believe that a trial falls on people because of God’s anger. Those who say that if you know the Lord, your life will be filled with wins, comforts, and riches believe a deadly lie. The Christian life was never defined as an easy life. Look at Christ. He lived the most holy life of all, and that included enduring the cross! Look at the lives of all His disciples. If we are following Christ, we need to look at our own lives. Not only do we have trials in our lives, but we are also weak, and that’s uncomfortable, especially in a culture that brags about self-sufficiency. One of the best parts about knowing we are not enough is that we notice and appreciate God’s mighty power most in this weak state.

When you face trials, trust that God hears you and that the way He answers is best. Rather than resent His not answering your prayers the way you wanted, try boasting in your weaknesses, and see if it gives you the grace and strength through the Holy Spirit to not only endure but also to endure with joy.

God, I am so grateful that I am not enough. I am so thankful I don’t have to fake it till I make it. I am glad that in my weak state, Your power is made perfect. Help me boast all the more gladly about my weakness today so that Christ’s power may rest on me! Amen.

Reflect: Where are you weak today? Can you allow Christ to be strong in places you are weak so that His power may rest on you?