Being Made NewSample

The Strength of Weakness

When I was a boy, my hero was The Incredible Hulk—the Lou Ferrigno version.

I thought his strength was awesome. It was my goal to simply be strong. Muscles were the ultimate goal, even as a young boy. Push-ups and sit-ups were my mainstays…at age 6.

In my young mind, strength solved any problem that presented itself. After all, muscles (even if they were angry muscles) seemed to solve all the problems for Dr. Bruce Banner, at least when he turned into the Hulk.

Alas, my pursuit of strength did not yield the desired results. I never got the muscles I wanted, and even the ones I had didn’t do what the show seemed to promise. Muscles didn’t solve problems; they didn’t teach people lessons or save the day.

In fact, when I tried to rely on my muscles as an adolescent, they only revealed weaknesses in other areas of my life and character.

I doubt I am the only man who thinks strength is a problem-solver. Physical strength is fine. I’m not suggesting that physical health and fitness are bad, but they are not a panacea for the Christian man.

In fact, strength of any kind is not the answer.

The problem with strength is that it tends to make us self-reliant.

And for the follower of Jesus, self-reliance is perhaps one of the most dangerous traits to possess.

Paul knew this.

In 2 Corinthians 11:22-29, Paul discusses all the reasons he could boast about himself. He had strengths that few could match in his day (see also Philippians 3:3-6).

But these served him not at all in his pursuit of a life that glorified Jesus.

This is perhaps the most counterintuitive challenge for men who follow Jesus. We are to be totally dependent upon the strength of Jesus in our lives. The only things worth bragging over are those circumstances and characteristics that drive us to seek Jesus in utter and total reliance.

We can be as strong as we like, but that strength will not serve us the way we wish it would. It will not resolve the issues we face, right the wrongs, or teach those who need to learn.

The only thing that will address those issues is the strength that comes from God alone.

Prayer: God, thank You for giving me the strength I need as a man. Forgive me for the times when I rely on my own strength. Teach me to be dependent on You. Amen.

Reflection: What strength have you trusted instead of God? In what way can you show your dependence on Him this week?