Troubles make you find out what you never knew before about yourself. To stand face to face with our own imperfections – not flattering or tolerating them, but seeking to correct ourselves without becoming peevish – this is to desire what is good for its own sake and for God’s sake.
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. (2 Corinthians 11:30). I will not boast about myself except about my weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:5), for 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 about weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, for when I am weak then We are strong (2 Corinthians 9-10). For to be sure, He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve (2 Corinthians 13:4).
We urge you brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
God spares us from our weaknesses, showing us our true hideousness only in proportion to the courage He gives us to bear the sight! So those to whom spiritual guidance is entrusted must learn to watch a fault in others patiently, and take no external measure until God begins to make it felt by the inward conscience of that person. All other methods of guidance smack of earthly judgments, not the loving correction of grace. The love of God is full of consideration, waits, and never moves more than one step at a time.
Weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ Jesus to strengthen you – moment by moment.
I do not have time to tell about [all those who went before us] whose weakness was turned to strength, and who became powerful in battle (Hebrews 11:32-34). Sown in weakness, raised in power (1 Corinthians 15:43). The Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26).
Learn not to hide weakness, but bring it to the light so it can be cured. Let every doubt, weakness and temptation find you trusting, rejoicing, and counting on Jesus always to work all in you.
