HomeWord - March 3, 2014

He Makes Your Weakness His Strength

This devotional was written by Jim Burns

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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. —2 Corinthians 12:9

I asked God for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked God for health that I might do great things. I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy. I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing I asked for but everything I had hoped for... Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am among all men most richly blessed.*

An unknown confederate soldier wrote these powerful words. He knew the truth of today's Scripture: It's not what you have but who you know. Paul wrote another thought about weakness that you should know about: "The foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength" (1 Corinthians 1:25). Don't be afraid in your weakest moments to lean on the strong and steady arms of your Savior!

GOING DEEPER:

1. According to 2 Corinthians 12:9, when might God’s power be best displayed in our lives?

2. What area of weakness can you trust to God today? Remember God can turn our weaknesses into strengths?

FURTHER READING:

Philippians 4:13

*Quoted in When I Relax I Feel Guilty by Tim Hansel (Elgin, IL: David D. Cook, 1979), p. 89.