"For When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong"

No one in our society wants to “appear” as being weak, so we find ways to “appear” as if we are very strong. Some folks use the force of their emotions to manipulate people, while others use the force of their personality to control people. This writer has even worked with bosses who have used their so-called “superior” intellect to intimidate others.

Although these folks create an “illusion” of strength, they are really signs of weakness, for when we are truly strong, is when we have the courage to admit our limitations and to acknowledge our dependence on God (Job 40:1-5; Isaiah 6:1-5).

As a result, true strength often “looks like” weakness, when it is not (note the “meek” or “humble” characteristic of Moses – Numbers 12:3; cf. Zephaniah 2:3). When the apostle Paul prayed that an affliction would be taken from him, God answered him saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Paul responded with this acknowledgement: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

Toward the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, some of His disciples were striving for positions of prominence in His kingdom. Jesus used their request as an opportunity to teach them that in His kingdom, greatness only comes when we are willing to assume positions of weakness, i.e., a "servant" or "slave" (Matthew 20:26-27).

While most men and women prefer the “illusion” of strength to the reality of any weakness they may have, God wants us to realize that true strength only comes when we cease trying to control and manipulate people, and begin serving their needs instead (James 2:15-17; 1 John 3:17-18; cf. Matthew 25:34-40).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets