It's hard to imagine that anyone would choose to be weak over being powerful. But the way of Jesus sometimes calls us to do exactly that, with the understanding that somehow in our weakness we have the greatest impact.
Consider now your strengths and your weaknesses, and wonder which of these actually holds the greatest potential in your journey of faith.
Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Frida Kahlo and Henri Matisse were two great artists who lived with pain and illness for much of their lives. Yet the art they created jumps off the canvas with color, movement, and vitality. Because of their special awareness of their own bodies, they were able to depict the human form in exciting ways that had never been seen before.
I wonder if Frida and Henri, like Paul, ever asked God to take away their infirmities. Maybe they did. Maybe instead of taking away their weaknesses, God gave them the creative power to make great art.
We know that Paul eventually accepted his weakness, and even became grateful for it. He stopped asking for a different life, and put all his energy into making his life something beautiful for God.
Sarah Turner
Lord, I have weaknesses I sometimes wish you would take away. Help me trust in you and follow you, weakness and all. Amen.
Now as you journey into this day
Go understanding that it is not you, after all,
Who is powerful.
Any weakness you know only opens the door
For God's power to become evident,
And weakness to become your greatest strength.