Is it possible that our weakness is our greatest strength? As I have hit milestones over the past few years of a college degree, starting a career, and getting married, God is teaching me to cultivate this mindset. It seems counterintuitive at first, but God is graciously and patiently helping me to see how my weakness draws me closer to him and how his power is manifested through my insufficiency.
Adjusting to a new job, figuring out household responsibilities, and learning how to merge two calendars is difficult. The good desire for preparedness is often something I turn into an idol in response to significant change or busyness. In my heart, I long for peace, organization, and control. However, my sin tempts me to look to myself to find a resolution, turning me away from looking to God. Feeling weak only adds to the burdens I place heavily on myself, and the mountain of everything in front of me hides God’s power from my gaze.
The wisdom of the apostle Paul is helping me to realign my thinking in moments of temptation. “But he 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God’s power is made perfect in my weakness! Rather than allowing my weakness to turn me over to anxiety, fear, and complaining — which lead to self-sufficiency — God is using it to turn me toward him through prayer to receive help from the Holy Spirit. Oftentimes, that means remembering God’s truth and holding onto his promises.
As I embrace my weakness and turn to Christ, my circumstances shrink and God becomes greater. It is no longer me battling the details of life alone, but God teaching me how to live out of his grace for his glory. My grip on what I think is most important gets loosened, and the joy of the Lord helps me to accomplish what God has called me to do. As I grow in this process, God also uses my husband, Levi, to bring me wisdom and encouragement through God’s Word. Fellowship with my Community Group and friends further helps me when they point me to Christ and his sufficiency. I am learning not to live alone in my weakness, but to gain Christ.
The strength that God provides for me in my weakness is far greater and more glorious than what I can muster on my own. I am happier as a result of trusting him, because it not only draws me closer to Christ, but it also deepens my relationship with my husband and provides sweeter fellowship with my friends. These joys convince me that my weakness is my greatest strength.
