Nobody wants to admit weakness. Nobody wants to be dependent upon another. Our pride makes us feel like if we just try hard enough, we can do anything. That attitude may sound like any red blooded American but in God’s way of doing things it’s a set up for failure as God provides strength in our weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV) — 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
This scripture is part of the account in which Paul found himself in a great trial of affliction that he described as a “thorn in the flesh.”
2 Corinthians 12:7–8 (ESV) — 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
What was the “thorn in the flesh?” We don’t know. No doubt it’s God’s way of keeping us from pride because if we had what Paul had we would glory in having “Paul’s affliction.” Secondly, since we don’t know, we can apply the truth of this account to any and all circumstances. So, notice the truth of Paul’s test.
First, the affliction says Paul was given to him to keep him from being conceited. Nothing ruins our fellowship with God like pride. Just consider the example that Jesus gave:
Luke 18:9–14 (ESV) — 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
On the other hand, consider what God says about the person who is humble and contrite:
Isaiah 57:15 (ESV) — 15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Affliction has a way of humbling the proud and lifting up the contrite by the very presence and power of God.
Secondly, notice how Paul was driven to call upon the Lord and included in the narrative is his importunity in his repeated request.
2 Corinthians 12:8 (ESV) — 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
Luke 18:1–8 (ESV) — 1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’ ” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Thirdly, notice the answer Paul received and his response:
2 Corinthians 12:9–10 (ESV) — 9 But 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Therein lies the strength in weakness, it’s supernatural strength from the Lord Jesus Christ. His strength is not in our strength, but His strength is seen in our weakness. No wonder Jesus reminded His disciples that without Him, we can do nothing.
John 15:5 (ESV) — 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
There is a beautiful picture of this “strength in weakness” concept in the book of Revelation and the account of the church at Philadelphia.
Revelation 3:8 (ESV) — 8 “ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
The Psalmist put it beautifully in Psalm 119:
Psalm 119:71 (ESV) — 71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
Strength is found as we recognize our weakness and express our dependency upon the Lord Jesus Christ.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
Clearwater, FL
