by Gelly McAuliffe-Bunker
“But 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
When was the last time that you celebrated your weaknesses?
At a guess, I would say that, like me, you probably draw back from celebrating weaknesses. We work to identify our strengths, lay those down at God’s feet as something offered to Him, for His glory, and we keep our weaknesses hidden. Weaknesses are something to be hidden and corrected, and then strengthened and honed, so that they also can be offered for God’s glory. We may admit that at one time these were weaknesses, but we wait until there is a success story before revealing those details.
But whose pattern are we following when we do that? It is the world which tells us to hide when we are weak. It is the world which tells us that we will be rejected because of our weaknesses. It is too risky to admit weakness on the world’s stage. That is to admit vulnerability, and vulnerability is risky. Vulnerability can lead to hurt and rejection.
And yet with the Lord Jesus beside us, it is safe to be vulnerable. God will not reject us (Heb 13:5). More than that, Jesus asks us to be real. We can bring our weaknesses to Him, without fear of rejection (Mark 5:25-34). We do not need to wait so that we can come to Him in times of victory, pride, and celebration. Jesus will accept us even in times of weakness, fear, vulnerability, regret, and pain. Come.
Our weakness does not have to be a reason for shame. In fact, we can even rejoice in our weaknesses. God’s power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12:9). It means that even when we want to run away and hide, God has a better plan. We can reveal our weaknesses. We can approach and humbly ask God for help. We can acknowledge and show our vulnerability. When we do, God’s strength shines through more strongly! The more that God is strengthening us in our weaknesses, the more He is visible. His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12:9). Conversely, the more we hide our weaknesses, the less God’s strengthening can be seen in our lives!
While we retain His strength behind the barriers of fear, shame, vulnerability, or rejection-risk, the less we reveal His strength to others who are battling. Yes, it is good to share of what God has done, but there is value too in sharing what God is doing. Be prepared to be vulnerable, to be open, to share what you are going through. No, this need not be from the rooftops, or even from your own front door. Instead, ask God to guide you to those who need to hear. Tell them how God is walking through this season with you, and encourage them to be brave, trusting in Him.
Coming full circle, can we celebrate our weakness? Yes! With courage and vulnerability, let us trust and celebrate that God shines through our weakness in His care, strengthening, and faithfulness to others. We may never truly know the details, but we can be encouraged to keep sharing, knowing God is working through our weakness, strengthening us and others.
Gelly Nic seeks to share God’s Word with others, that each may know and experience the incredible love and faithfulness of our God, who draws near to us as we draw near to Him (Jas 4:8). Her heart prayer is that those on the margins would find grace and true fellowship in God, and with His people.