There’s a passage in Scripture that I’ve loved and questioned at the same time.
It’s a verse we use a lot in ministry. That verse is 2 Corinthians 12:8-10:
“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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
I’ve always wondered – do I intentionally pursue weakness so that Christ’s power may be displayed?
Should I ignore self improvement because it will show the glory of Christ more?
Does God have issues with talent?
Because I’ve encountered a lot of talented people and seen the glory of Christ shine through their gift. I’ve also seen a lot of talented people who just seem to magnify their own gifting.
What is Strength and What is Weakness?
What’s the balance here? What is weakness we can improve and what is weakness that God uses?
As I’ve studied the Scriptures, here’s the conclusion I’ve come to: God is committed to the spread of His own glory. And He is the only being who can rightfully be this way. Because He is God incomprehensible, God immutable, God indescribable. He. Is. God.
No matter who you are, what you’ve done, or what touches your life, God can use it for something great.
If there’s one thing I want you to walk away with today, it is this:
Our calling in life is to leverage our strengths and leverage our weaknesses for the display of Christ’s glory in the earth. Improve what is inside your control…Entrust to God what is not.
Here’s what I mean:
- If you’re a singer, this verse doesn’t mean you should sing off-key so Christ will be magnified. Word hard on improving your vocals.
- If you’re a musician, this verse doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare so that Christ will be magnified. Hone your craft, know your instrument, and know the songs inside and out.
- If you speak or preach, don’t just wing it in hopes that God will pick up the pieces of your unpreparedness.
In other words, laziness and carelessness are not values in the kingdom of God.
The apostle Paul (whom this verse is referring to) was one of the most gifted, educated, talented people to ever walk the face of the earth.
When he “boasted” of His weakness, he wasn’t referring to things he could work on. He was referring to circumstances outside of His control.
A Story from My Life
Let me give you a personal example. There are limits to my singing ability. I work on my vocal strength, pitch, and range, for sure. But there is a limit to where I can go. I simply can’t do what BJ Putnam or Israel Houghton does. That doesn’t mean I should give up because I’m not as good as someone else.
That means I submit my weakness to Christ and watch Him work. Time and time again, he takes my humble offering and outshines it with His own glory. I have no place to boast, which I love.
Sure, I wish I had a bigger voice. I would be so much more effective, right? Well, God knows what He is doing and I trust the good and perfect gift He’s entrusted to me. It’s my job to make the most of it.
I know many of you have physical ailments or chronic diseases you wish you could be healed from, forget about, or eradicate. You would be so much more effective, right? Well, for sure there’s a place for the healing power of Jesus and watching Him take your pain away.
But while you live with it, that uncontrollable weakness can be used to shine a light upon God’s glory. With 2 chronic illnesses, I’ve walked through extended seasons where I couldn’t lead worship or play music due to my condition. It was in those moments that God matured my heart and moved through me in ways I couldn’t see.
Remember – God is committed to the spread of His own glory.
What’s Next For You
Maybe, just maybe the best course of action isn’t to eradicate what is weak in your life. But maybe it’s best to submit it to Jesus and watch Him outshine it all – to actually use those part of your life that you regret for a greater good.
Maybe it’s your failure.
Maybe it’s your past.
Maybe it’s your health.
Maybe it’s your limited talent.
Maybe it’s your family.
Maybe it’s your limited experience.
Work on what you can control. Work harder than anyone you know. But submit your weakness it to God and watch Him work.
Don’t disqualify what God has qualified.
Question: What are your thoughts on this? What are some of the “weakness” parts of your story that God is using and will continue to use? How is His power being made perfect? Let’s talk in the comments. You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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Prepare hard and Love that God still uses everything!
I have hyperhidrosis, and it’s the worst thing ever for someone with such a public job as worship leading. It means I sweat a ton and no deodorant can help. Imagine leading worship with your hands raised — and 3-inch diameter pit stains on your top, sweaty hands, sweaty feet, every. single. time. No matter the temperature.
I don’t understand why God would do this; it distracts people and makes me hate myself, avoid social interations, and have low self esteem and ability to cope with rejection. I already have social anxiety and hyperhidrosis just takes it to the next level. But I’m trusting God will somehow show His glory through it. I just don’t get it, but He knows what He’s doing, Isaiah 55:8, right?
deborah, consider reading “the importance of being foolish” by brennan manning. his perspective here to find the heart and mind of Christ has been so helpful to me. His peace and continued blessings, <michael
I appreciate you responding to me! and I’m definitely going to go get that book!
I have operated a failed business for ten years in a small town, where the failure is so evident and the town is so engrossed in discussing failures, that my leading worship seems an oddity. “Why can’t his God help him succeed in business?” And periodically I have been able to hear the comments. I have tried for so long to make it work, but recently I had to fold up. Until another opportune time. My wife sees me as a failed husband. My children, who are just beginning to get a grasp on life, consider me a Mama’s boy. Yet I have the conviction that at the appointed time, God will visit me and give a foothold in my life. And the wait is not very cozy. Now, the challenge has been, “Do I worship God even with this?” And every time I have found myself before the congregation in a Sunday Service on the piano, I seem to forget ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING that is wrong with me, and concentrate on worshiping the Lord like He gave me a mansion, a fleet of cars, millions of dollars and made me the most successful man on earth. And i don’t care a hoot what everyone else thinks. And I have found exhilarating joy doing this, irrespective of whether anyone else considers me a failure or not. Not wishing to continue thus, but then while it lasts, I will grab every opportunity to worship God. At that time, HE IS ALL THAT MATTERS.
I am a true testament to the truth of this scripture. I am 43 and had been a youth minister for 20 years when my world exploded. Three years ago My church experienced a painful split and I was caught right in the middle. I walked away, out of youth ministry hurt, broken, and truly sad. It was then my husband told me I needed a hobby. I picked up a guitar and spent hours a day playing and learning and worshipping. Months later another church in town, it’s a small town and they all knew what had happened, asked me to do a special one week. I did, and it was not great (I’ve never thought of myself as someone who could sing) but that church kept loving me and asking me to do it again and again and eventually asked me to join the worship team. Fast forward two years and I now lead worship, with my guitar and am truly amazed at how a God has worked. I would have never dreamed I would be a worship leader but now can’t imagine doing anything else. I work hard to do everything with excellence. I practice many hours a week and have started vocal training but I know my skills are lacking. But where I can’t, God can! I know He uses my weakness. I know He has a greater plan. And now I know that only when I am broken and desperate can He truly be glorified. It was a hard lesson to learn but looking back, I would not change a thing.