"Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong."
Most Christians would profess that they find strength in their faith. At the same time, many of them would confess that they still suffer from weaknesses and difficulties in their walk with the Lord. Does this mean the faith doesn't "work"? Where is our invulnerability as Christians?
Part of the reality of the Christian life is letting God's strength shine through our weaknesses. We do this - point blank - when it comes to asking Christ to die on the cross for our sins. We admit our inability, our weakness, and our salvation is found in His strength. This is an offense of the cross - and it is a non-negotiable aspect of Christianity to recognize that Christ died for us because we could not save ourselves.
But so too is it that the case when it comes to asking for any other blessings. God's healing? That comes through our sickness. The fruit of the Spirit? What we are lacking in love, joy, peace, patience, etc. is made up for by the provision of the Lord. Endurance and perseverance? That implies that trials are being experienced that threaten to shipwreck our faith.
A Christian isn't someone who is so strong that they no longer have any need for God; it is one who is constantly reminded - and agrees - that they have an ongoing dependence upon the Father. It sounds counter-intuitive, but when we are weak, then we are strong!
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