2 Corinthians 12; 1 Chronicles 1-2; Habakkuk 3

“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cointhians 12:9-10 NKJV) 

If there was ever a way to show how living in the gospel differs from living in the world, these verses make it clear. While many of the Greeks hated the body because it was material, many lived as though they worshiped it and sought to make sure they were in perfect shape. Strength was, of course, idealized, and people would do all they can to show how strong they were. Paul reminded the Corinthians of how weak he was. He mentioned the physical infirmity that tied him down while he was in Corinth, and how God used that to reinforce His teaching that Paul needed to depend on God and not on himself or even his physical health. As a result, Paul bragged not about his own prowess, but about how God was able to work through his weaknesses. 

Our world today values strength also. Whether it be physical, as noted by our sports heroes, or mental strength, we celebrate strength while avoiding weakness. None of us are vulnerable, because to be vulnerable would be to reveal our weaknesses. And we don’t have them. At least not in public where others can see them. Perhaps we would do well to remember Paul’s example. Our weaknesses or infirmities are not to be hidden from an uncaring world, they’re to be out in the open, perhaps giving the world a chance to care more and, moreso, to show the world how God can work. What would happen if the world could see how God makes us strong in the broken places of our lives and works in amazing ways through what most would see as a weakness. 

Lord, help me to be vulnerable in an invulnerable world. Let people see how You give strength in the broken places of my life. Help me glory in my infirmities knowing that they are an open window so that the world can see You working.