Power in Weakness

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. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Beloved,

In the 1992 Olympics, Derek Redmond was half way through the 200-meter semi-final when his hamstring popped.  His dreams of an Olympic gold medal were smashed, but he did not give up.  After falling to the ground, he got up and started limping towards the finish line. People tried to stop him from running, but he kept limping on. Finally, his father came out of the stands placed his son’s arm around him and walked him through the finish line. His son’s weakness demonstrated the powerful love of a father. 

We will all have days when we feel weak, tired and broken. We may feel like we cannot go on as we are limping towards the finish line, but God’s grace is sufficient for us.  His power is made perfect in our weakness. God will carry us through to the end. He who began a good work in you will carry to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. God is powerful when we are weak. He is tender when we are broken. He is strong when we are tired. 

Paul wanted God to remove his physical weakness, but he realized that it was only in his weakness that the power of Christ would rest upon him.  Instead of pleading for God to remove his weakness, he boasted in the power of Christ which he was experiencing because of his weakness. Where are you weak, that you need to believe God is sufficient?

Beloved, God’s grace is sufficient for your weaknesses. He is sufficient to carry you when you are limping during your race.  He comes to your side and puts your arms on his shoulders and walks you to the end.  “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.” (2 Cor. 12:10).