"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
Everyone wants to know what they're good at and, more importantly, what they are not. A good grasp of our strengths tells us what God has enabled us to do. But our weakness reminds us of where our part ends and where His begins.
2 Corinthians 12:9 has become more than scripture to me. Nothing could be more tangible than scripture so true that we see it manifest every day of our lives. That's what weakness does: It manifests itself in a way that makes us realise that we cannot do things on our own. We need Christ more than ever.
Here are five ways that God's power is made perfect in our weakness in a form of a declaration that you can make to yourself today.
1. 'The Holy Spirit Enables Me to Live Like Him'
God's grace does not just appear to pardon us of sin, but to free us of its presence in our lives altogether. No, it doesn't happen overnight, but it is bound to happen as long as we declare and make Christ's power manifest in our weakness. We can't defeat sin on our own, but we don't have to do it ourselves. The Holy Spirit comes to guide us into all truth and lead us to righteousness.
2. 'God Makes Things Supernaturally Happen That I Can't'
Miracles, signs and wonders are not limited only to the time of Acts. We can claim to see God's miraculous provision, healing, intervention and manifestation today just as God moved before. Jesus promised that He would empower us to do even greater things than He did when we receive the power of the Holy Spirit by grace through faith (John 14:12).
3. 'God Brings People Who Complement Me'
One of the most powerful ways God strengthens you in your weak areas is to build a community around you that will complement your strengths. That's why I am thankful for my marriage, friendships and work relationships — because they bring something to the table that I cannot.
4. Christ Affirms Me When the World Rejects Me'
The world will reject us one way or another, and it's going to hurt. But even in the rejection of the world, we can be affirmed and satisfied deepest in Christ. When we sacrifice job opportunities, money, fame and favour to live for the honour and glory of God, Our Father promises to reward us both here on earth and in the age to come.
5. 'God Changes My Heart When I Can't Change My Circumstance'
Sometimes God doesn't change our circumstance, but instead changes our hearts. That in itself is one of the biggest miracles of all time—to experience internal change where everything else in the world only promises to change the outside. Only Christ can do that and He faithfully promises to do so as long SA we remain open to His move.
