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)
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)
BOASTING IN WEAKNESS?
The latter part of Paul’s life was worthy of pride. In 2 Corinthians 12:6, he even states that he would not be a fool to boast because he would be speaking the truth. God used the thorn in Paul’s side to ensure he relied on the Lord alone and didn’t lean on his own understanding.
One of the blessings of chronic illness is that we have to accept God’s grace and His power in our weakness. People spend their lives learning to be humble and not standing on their own. Because of the limitations of chronic illness, I believe it can be easier to trust God in the little things. Chronic illness is hard — there is no getting around it — but God gives us a unique view of Himself.
The world tells us we must have it all together (Spoiler: no one has it all together.). This is hard enough with doing school and maintaining a social life; chronic illness, chronic pain, mental illness, or disability make it harder to keep up the façade.
BOASTING IN WEAKNESS AND GOD’S STRENGTH
Can we shift how we look at these unique challenges set before us? Can we see them as a blessing enabling us to show what is going on in our lives and who we really are? Maybe those around us would gain the courage to show what they are also going through. Sometimes, it can be hard to look at what God is doing as a blessing, but He also uses unique challenges to make radical differences in the lives of his followers and those around them. Boasting in weakness seems backward, but it shows God’s strength. Think of the powerful impact you might have if you shared your weaknesses with those around you!
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to boast of my weaknesses as I go throughout my day. I know I am nothing without You. Help me to be a light for You as I interact with others—whether in person or in any other way. You are the one I should look to for satisfaction. Keep me from finding satisfaction in my own strength. Amen
QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
- What is one way you can boast in your weakness this week?
- How do you boast in your weaknesses?
- How has God shown His strength in your weakness?
Elyse Simon
Contributing Writer
Elyse has a fondness for the outdoors. After a simple slip on the ice left her with chronic pain syndrome, she began to see how God does work all things for good. Armed with Biblical truth and her TENS unit, Elyse uses her experiences to encourage young adults with the message that they can thrive in the face of difficult circumstances.
How is God calling me?
When we seek God’s calling for our lives, our journey begins with love, with who we are in Christ, and who we were created to be.
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