Redefining Strong: 3 Ways Weakness Equals Strength

“How strong are you?”

I used to ask my children this when they were young. They answered in the cute way of showing off their little biceps.

But on my own journey from child to adult, I learned culture’s definition of what makes a person strong. And how weakness comes in many shapes and sizes, like in these examples.

~ Weight lifting proved my arms lacked physical strength.

~ Low self-esteem, anxiety or discouragement labeled me a weak soul.

~ Failure to excel in a class, understand a concept at work, or carry strong opinions, defined me as weak-minded.

Culture teaches us to stay strong and overcome weakness because it just isn’t pretty. Yet, in God’s Kingdom, weakness takes on a whole new meaning.

“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. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10b ESV)

Paul’s visions and thorn in the flesh in Chapter 12, kept him from boasting in himself. He had endured many hardships and persecutions. Still, he learned his strength was found in his weakness.

What Culture Says, What God Says

Culture tells us to strive for independence. God says, Depend on Me.

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