Power Perfected in Weakness

2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."

I find it easy to read that verse and admire Paul rather than pray the same for myself. We hate being weak, I hate being weak. Our culture doesn't readily accept us when we're weak. Neither do we accept ourselves when we are weak. We join with the others in despising ourselves, rather than seeking that He might perfect His power in my/our weakness. He's actually done some very amazing things in those who are weak. Look at Joni Eareckson Tada. What a beautiful example of His power being perfected in weakness. She was once strong and athletic...and proud. Now, for many years, she has been weak, paralyzed...and humble. And God has used her mightily in the lives of countless individuals, especially those who are weak, as she is. They'll be more drawn to her than those who are still strong and athletic...and proud. She will most likely make them uncomfortable.

It's anything but common to boast about our weaknesses, unless, of course, it's in a whining, self-piteous way, hoping to draw out sympathy from the current listener. Why are we so resistant to allowing Him to impart His strength to us, that we might enjoy the inexhaustible supply of Divine strength and grace? We want that, but not at the cost of giving up our personal strength and whatever grace we've acquired along the way. We too much enjoy our status as stated in Psalm 139:14 ~ I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. We are, indeed, fearfully and wonderfully made. He said it and wrote it, so why should we want to lay that aside for something we're not totally convinced will come our way when we most need it? It's a gamble, isn't it? Or is it? Paul documented how God perfected His power in Paul's weakness, but will He do that for us? Why are we so unwilling to believe that God will treat us no differently than He treated Paul? Of course, you might say, 'That's ok. I DON'T WANT God to treat me the way He treated Paul! I've read his account of the many things he suffered for Christ!' Well, I'm right there with you on that, but how many people do you know who've suffered as many afflictions as Paul did? Let's focus on the power of Christ that was perfected in Paul. It was marvelous. I can't wait to listen to Paul recount his adventures in a glorified body, being thrilled at how God perfected His power in Paul's weakness! And don't you think Paul's eyes will have the very light of Christ in them as he retells his bio to us as we sit with him in glory? What will we have to tell if we disallow Him this honor? May we be brave enough to let Him perfect His power in our weaknesses, not only so we'll have great stories to tell in heaven, but here on earth as well, that others might do the same.