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Embracing our Weaknesses

2 Corinthians 12:9  

“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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me”  

Recently I had a friend point out one of my flaws, and if I’m being honest, it affected me. I spent the rest of that day in a cloud of thoughts, not bothering to read my bible or pray, all over one little comment my friend said. Now this may sound overdramatic, but if you couldn’t tell by now, I’m a very self-critical person. I don’t like being wrong, I over-analyse all my mistakes and avoid taking risks because of the fear of failure.   

 Being corrected is an uncomfortable feeling, it’s even more uncomfortable when your flaws are revealed to you. It may sound odd, but God wants us to see our own weaknesses. He wants us to recognise all of our insecurities and imperfections, not to make us feel bad, but for further glory to be given to him.   

 From the verse we can have all reassurance in God, because we don’t have to rely on our own strength because he says, “my power is made perfect in weakness". There’s an unnatural type of peace you get when you realise nothing you can do will ever equate to living a life that is fulfilling to God. What I mean is that there is no work, no amount of prayer, no amount of love to show that will ever be sufficient: it will only ever be through God’s power.   

 That same night where I was in my own thoughts, the holy spirt revealed something to me. The fact that I’m self-critical doesn’t allow me to see my weaknesses. When I’m unable to dwell in my weakness, it blinds me to see my source of strength: God.   

 It takes humility to recognise our flaws and weaknesses, it takes further humility to accept them and run towards our only form of strength. Whenever you feel incapable: whether it’s an exam you’re taking, maybe you have to speak in front of a large crowd, perhaps it’s a job interview, God is saying to you “my strength is made perfect in weakness”. So, embrace your weakness, because at the same time you’re acknowledging Christ's strength.    

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