Dealing With Weakness

The apostle Paul had a lot to say about weakness. Since we heard so much from a person who had so much input in the text of the New Testament, you would think that the church in our American culture would be a lot clearer on how to deal with the weakness and brokenness that is the reality of our lives.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul has this to say regarding his plea to Jesus to take away his thorn in the flesh -

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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

As I continue to put one step in front of the other on this journey of trust, I find it significant that in order for Paul - the "super" apostle - to be conformed to the image of Christ, God did not heal him or release him from temptation or release him from whatever form of brokenness this thorn represents. This is Paul. If anyone lived victoriously, it was Paul.

Aside from that, I think there are three ways that we stray from the conclusion (what comes after the 'therefore') Paul makes to Christ's declaration that His grace is sufficient.

First deviation: instead of boasting, we deny our weakness. Maybe we are trying to help Christ out. Possibly we are trying to make Him look good. But the truth is, in our church experience we tend to lead people to believe that everything is just fine. Marriage is good. Kids are good. Work is good. Finances are good. Spiritual life is good. "No weakness here, I am a Christian after all." Weakness is distasteful. It seems like a lack of progress (for a great visual check out this blog by J. R. Briggs) and a waste of time.

Problem is, denying our weakness is an attempt to highlight our own power and righteousness. Creating our version of what the new creation should look like, which pales in comparison to what God has in mind. It denies Christ's power.

Second deviation: rather than approaching our weakness gladly or openly, when we do talk about it, our desire is to call God to the carpet. We challenge God with contempt, pointing our finger and giving ultimatums. Mind you, our complaints are not made in an effort to be honest about our disappointments - which I believe God welcomes - but are declarations of what we will and will not tolerate.

The last way we stray is rather than allowing Christ's power to rest, we create an identity of weakness. As an identity, we cry "woe is me" in every trial or perceived trail and walk around beaten. Never attempting to overcome with Christ, we become happy with weakness as a way of life.

Paul became open regarding his weakness so that others could see the power of Christ at work in him. That is the example of Christ, leaving heaven and putting on flesh. Humbling Himself on our account.

Our own weakness is not to be hidden. Not to be adopted as a way of life. But it may be the cross we have to bear, the example of Christlike expectation that is on display for those around us.

My default is to deny my weakness. Which of these three deviations are you most prone to?