September 9

Boasting in Weakness 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 102:18-28 | Isaiah 3:1-5:30 | 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 | Proverbs 22:28-29

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 11

“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness” (2 Corinthians 11:30 NIV).

Most of us spend a lot of energy trying to keep up a good front– to appear strong. We try very hard to pretend that everything is perfect. We try very hard to hide our weaknesses. Paul said, “I boast in my weakness.”

A number of years ago I heard John Maxwell, a powerful communicator, share that one of his most dynamic messages was to a group of pastors when he spent the whole message sharing the worst mistakes he had made in ministry. They laughed and cried and related to him at a deeper level than they might otherwise have. Then they were ready to really listen. His weakness enabled the audience to relate to him on a deeper level.

Someone once prayed over me, “your scars are a badge of your spiritual authority.” I think that is true. The comfort we receive in our weakness, becomes a ministry of comforting others who’ve gone through similar times of weakness

In our weakness, God’s strength shines through clearly and brightly. We are jars of clay in which God chooses to dwell. As he does, the clay is reworked and molded into a piece of beautiful craftsmanship, designed to do the good works he has called us to do (Ephesians 2:10).  Yet often he seems to leave visible scars, reminders of our weakness–these are left only to show how weak we are in ourselves, and how strong He is.

Don’t be afraid to boast in your weakness. Don’t waste your energy pretending you don’t have any (there are more than enough hypocrites to go around–we don’t need another). Look to God to be strong in your times of weakness. Allow him to shine through your weakness for all the world to see His strength and to stand amazed.

Jesus, your scars are graphic reminders of the incredible love of God. My scars, too, are marks of grace—reminders of your goodness. So we boast in weakness, because that is where we are most likely to look to you for strength. Strengthen me by your Spirit and use me for your glory. Amen.