"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 also admit that they still suffer from weaknesses and difficulties. Does this mean that our 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 Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. We admit our inability, our weakness, and our need for Christ's sacrifice on our behalf. That is how our salvation is found in His strength. This humbling act of repentance 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. Every need we have is met by a supply from God.
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 he or she has an ongoing dependence upon the Father.
It sounds counter-intuitive, but when we are weak, then we are strong!
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