Admitting Weakness

The Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

The apostle Paul was forced to defend the integrity of his ministry.  He was being subjected to false accusations, his actions were wrongly being compared to the self-centered actions of others and his God-given authority was being questioned.  In the final four chapters of the second letter to the Corinthians, Paul made efforts to reestablish his credibility among the Corinthian brothers and sisters.  For me, his most unexpected tactic was making himself vulnerable.  He admitted his weaknesses and, by doing so, established his complete reliance upon the power of God.

Admitting weakness, first of all, demonstrates Paul’s humility.  He had the credentials to justify himself according to human standards.  However, he doesn’t let pride rule his heart and mind.  He knows the “thorn” he contends with is keeping him from becoming conceited, a reminder of his need for a savior.  Secondly, admitting weakness demonstrates Paul’s honesty.  He isn’t blind or insecure about his faults, nor does he make an effort to hide his weaknesses from others.  This type of openness is a refreshing display of trust.  Thirdly, admitting weakness demonstrates Paul’s desire to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.  He discounts his own accomplishments and publicly confesses his “weaknesses.”  For Paul, dying to self is relinquishing control.

We, too, can benefit from admitting weakness.  Daily reminders are needed to focus on God’s divine power.  The evil and corrupt “standards of this world” deceive our minds and, falsely, convince us to boast in our own accomplishments.  As people of faith, we must instead look deeper, not only on the surface of things.  Admitting weakness can be a good thing.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, You are the only true, living and powerful God.  Please help us to learn from Paul’s transparent words and humble heart.  We want to rely on your power for strength and guidance.  We need your mercy to overcome our weakness.  In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Carl Smith

Stephenville, Texas