The strength in weakness

During this current political process there has been a lot of discussion over the negative tone of advertisements by candidates. It seems like virtually every political commercial attempts to defame someone for this action or that activity.

It would be interesting to see what would happen if a candidate went on TV to say, “I’m really weak in foreign policy and economics has always been hard for me. But please vote for me. I’ll do my best and I have good friends to help me.”

I’m thinking that wouldn’t get anyone very far. It’s not cool to boast about being weak. Yet, that is exactly what Paul is doing in 2 Corinthians 12:10 where he says “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.”

While weakness is looked down upon in society, within the life of the Jesus follower it is a benefit. When we realize our inability to live the way God wants us to, we can more easily rely on Him to help us through the difficulties of life.

The Carol speaks of a man named Scrooge who built his entire life and fortune on being strong. The weak were those who were poor in wealth and power. Those who had failed in life were destined to the treadmill and the poor law.

Yet, when Scrooge became weak. When he realized his own inadequacy. Then the Grace of God could reach out to him and show him the true meaning of Christmas. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says “My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

This Grace we speak of is completely undeserved and makes us strong even in our weakness. That is why we can say, “thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.”