Bulletin Articles
Perspective on Weakness
Strength through weakness is a great theme of Scripture. God takes what is weak and makes it strong. We see it in the cross where Jesus took on suffering and died. There was an appearance of weakness, but God’s power was actually on display (see 1 Cor 1:18). God conquered death through the cross and made possible our victory over death.
Paul’s attitude toward his weaknesses gives us another example to consider. After discussing various difficulties that he endured, he wrote, “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness” (2 Cor 11:30). Paul understood his weaknesses and knew that he had to rely on God if he would succeed. He asked the Lord to remove what he refers to as a “thorn in the flesh.” The Lord’s answer was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Paul didn’t complain about that, but further showed his commitment: “Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:9-10).
Paul received encouragement from the Lord to stay strong. When in Corinth, “the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city’” (Acts 18:9-10). The Lord comforted him and gave rest from the fears so that Paul could continue his work. He would not give up.
We like to show the world our successes. We want others to know how well we have done because it is good to get positive feedback and the boost of encouragement. Yet even in the lives of those who always seem successful, there are significant trials. We may not always talk about that, but we still need those who are close by to help pick us up and provide support. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov 17:17).
On the other hand, there are those who regularly share their problems. When things aren’t going so well, it’s easy to emphasize all the bad in our lives and reach out for some kind of recognition or help. However, when we just focus on the things going wrong and how everyone is against us, we may be turning the attention to ourselves in a way that is unfitting for a child of God. I can seek self-justification and undue attention for myself and away from God by how I seek pity just as much as how I seek praise. We may be tempted to hold an attitude that says, “things are so much more worse for me than for you.” We may think, “no one else knows what I’m going through.” Then comes the rejoinder: “Oh yeah, well you don’t know the half of it…” That is not helpful.
Balance, as always, is appropriate. We all have our successes and weaknesses. It’s okay to let people vent without feeling like we have to give them all the answers. When Job’s friends showed up, they kept silent for a week as Job spoke, and this was the best thing they did. When they started talking based on their incomplete theology, they made matters worse for Job, and God was not happy about that (Job 42:7).
It’s also important not to “one-up” another when someone is struggling. It’s not helpful to tell someone who is hurting, “well, things could be worse,” or “let me tell you bad things that have happened to me that are even worse.” This has the effect of sweeping aside or minimizing the pain that one may be feeling. We need to be compassionate, not competitive in suffering.
Christians are called to mercy, kindness, and love: “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity” (Col 3:12-14).
We may, at times, feel inadequate to our tasks. Perhaps, even with preparation, we feel ill-prepared, unable to connect well with others, or showing other weaknesses even when we want to encourage. We are not alone. Each of us battles weaknesses. We struggle and we need to be encouraged. If Paul could “boast” of what shows his weakness in order to give glory to God, then there is a place for this. Let’s just make sure it’s about pointing to God and not ourselves. The same goes for sharing in successes. The glory and power of our Lord needs to be magnified in what we share and do. In our weaknesses, with faith in God, He will strengthen us and He will be glorified.
