10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:10 NLT
The Apostle Paul had to be annoying to try and rattle. Criticize him and be met with this endearing spirit. Threaten him with suffering, and he would proudly emulate the scars of Christ. Kill him and he would rejoice that his life would soon be united with his savior. This 2 Corinthians mindset is tough to shake. It’s counter cultural. It’s weird.
Paul understood strength doesn’t come from anything earthly – that is to say temporary. No government, no workout regimen, no military, no social media presence . . . nothing. No matter how strong you become (or wealthy, or successful, or beautiful etc.), there is always an abrupt and un-climactic end approaching. The story of the Christian faith, is a constant de-escalation of ourselves, a deep understanding of who we really are.
Being privy to such information can lead you to one of two avenues. One, is to wallow, while the other is to worship. My professor in college use to lament what he called “worm theology”. This was where followers would constantly bemoan their sinful nature and say what a “wretch” they are. This is only a half-truth. Once we encounter Christ with full surrender – a process not meant to be a perfect art of course – we now recognize the worth, identity, and strength found in Jesus.
His strength becomes ours
His identity becomes ours
His perfection is ours
When we live on the other side of salvation, we no longer have need to take on the scorn of sin. When our weaknesses then do pop up (and they will), we can use it to bring glory to God who is doing a miraculous work within the context of our struggle.
What if where you are your weakest, He is at His strongest on your behalf?
Never mistake worldly success for the Christian life. Our success is measured differently. We are close to the ground. We reflect true strength of another and defer to a greater freedom. This is the power of the Gospel.
Matt simon blog 