when

Complete this sentence: 

When I am weak...

    When I am weak I feel like a failure.

    When I am weak I want to quit.

    When I am weak I want to give up.

    When I am weak I want to cry.

    When I am weak I want to run away.

    When I am weak I feel lost.

    When I am weak I think my life is a waste.

Paul said, "When I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10)

It is rare for us to hear anyone admit a weakness in our day, much less take pride in our weakness like Paul does. You almost never hear an athlete admit a weakness. When a celebrity admits a weakness, it is usually only after a scandal has been uncovered. Certainly not in our current political conversation will you hear any of the contenders admit a weakness.

Paul had reached a level of spiritual maturity where he not only admits his weaknesses, but takes pride in them (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). A man who read and believed the Scriptures, considered a spiritual giant, takes pride in being a failure. 

What is the message? What are we to learn from Paul's example?  Simply and profoundly this: God is our strength.

When you feel that you are weak that is when God will fill you with His strength.

When you have failed God will give you victory.

When you want to quit God will help you go on.

When you are crying God will renew your Spirit.

When you feel lost God will be your home.

When you think your life is a waste God will show you your value.

When you are weak, God's grace will be sufficient.

If this week is anything like last week, or the week before, or the week before that, there will be something that happens this week that makes you realize that you cannot handle everything by yourself. It could be a family disturbance. It could be an upset customer. It could be a disgruntled employee. I could be a bad report from the doctor.

Whatever it happens to be, you may find yourself feeling weak, helpless, and powerless. When that happens listen closely and carefully and you will hear God saying, "My grace is sufficient for you."  Trust that. Lean into that. Know that is true.

Thank Him, and when you are sharing your story include this statement: "When I am weak, then I am strong."

-tom norvell