Power in Weakness

Better, faster, stronger. When we think of power, these are words that might come to mind. We don’t think there is any power in being weak or broken. Yet the apostle Paul knew otherwise. In this passage, Paul describes how he pleaded with God to take away a “thorn in [his] flesh”, something that made him weak. We might be surprised to hear that God replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Just as it was for Paul, God’s grace is sufficient for us, regardless of how much power we do or don’t have. God’s power is made perfect in our weakness because when we are weak, we must totally rely on him. We realise we can’t do everything on our own. That’s why Paul can say “for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

This doesn’t mean that we should aim to be weak or that we should accept it when we are pushed around. God does not want that. Instead, this sets us free from the pressure of feeling we need to be better than everyone else. In fact, as Paul says, our weakness can keep us humble and stop us from being arrogant. Whether you feel you have a lot of power or none, it is through your weaknesses that God will make you strong.

Questions:  

1. Can you think of a time when Jesus seemed to be weak, but it was actually a moment of great power because of God? Check out Matthew 27:27–54.  
2. Why do you think your weaknesses can help you to remain humble? Why does God want you to be humble?  
3. Are there times when you like to show off something that you’re good at? What could you do instead that would show love for someone else?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know that you are mighty yet full of love. Thank you that even in my weaknesses I am strong because of your Spirit who lives in me. Help me to be humble about the strengths you have given me and to rely on you for everything. Amen.