There is an apparent paradox in Scripture.  2nd Corinthians 12:10 says, “for when I am weak, then I am strong.”  On the surface that doesn’t even seem to make sense.  How is that even possible?  We cannot be weak and strong at the same time, or can we?

We can, and it looks something like this in my life. I am weaker now than I have ever been. That weakness deepens my dependence on Christ for strength each day, each moment. The weaker I feel the harder I lean on Jesus.  The harder I lean the stronger I grow as Christ imparts to me the same strength and power that moved Him to the cross and kept Him there until the work of love was done. There is no greater strength known to man. And when I am weak, that strength is mine.

So there is no paradox. It’s through our weakness, God builds that kind of strength into our lives. We don’t grow stronger by eliminating the pain, the problems. We gather strength by embracing our weakness and falling into the arms of Jesus.

I am so weak today, Lord, therefore I am strong…grieving with hope