Weakness or Strength?

Have you ever heard the expression, “Only the strong survive, but the weak shall perish”? Such an idea sounds about right and natural, doesn’t it? And if you are a proponent of the Theory of Evolution (which I’m not), you might especially agree with it.

Let me ask you another question. Doesn’t “Only the strong shall survive, but the weak shall perish” put a little fear and apprehension in your heart? Think about it a moment. Doesn’t the statement instantly cause you to doubt (or at least question strongly and with fear) your readiness, your toughness, your power, and your ability to withstand whatever might come against you? If you ask yourself whether you have what it takes, the answer is quite likely going to be ”No,” at least on some level.

But now, let’s see what the word of God has to say about weaknesses. The Apostle Paul tells us, in his own particular thorny situation, God spoke this word to him (2 Corinthians 12:9-10): “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Then Paul goes on to say: “Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Sounds like it is during the times when we are most aware of our weaknesses and deficiencies that God can show Himself most strong toward us. It’s hard to get His help if we are convinced we don’t need it; it’s hard to get His help when we believe we can handle it all in our own strength.

So if you’re not feeling too strong today, God wants you (and me) to know we are in a mighty good place to see where our real strength comes from. We are also in a good place to understand why the weak can confess with confidence, “I am strong.”

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