I Want Weakness

"...But on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses." 2 Corinthians 12:5b

I hate admitting faults and weaknesses. Maybe it's because I'm human, maybe because I'm male, or maybe because I'm prideful... then again, it could be all of the above. I mean, who really wants to walk around admitting or asking for a WEAKNESS?

"Man, I had a pretty good game at basketball yesterday. I'm getting pretty good..."
"Oh yeah? I'm really bad at that! REALLY WEAK! and I LOVE IT! YES!!!"

Negative... you'll never hear me having that conversation unless it's in a sarcastic manner. But, what if there was something to having a weakness. Trust me, my fingers are shaking just typing that statement, but what if there was? What if somehow through our weakness, it was a good thing? It actually, I don't know, HELPED us?

I was reading through 2 Corinthians the other day and ran across the opening scripture. I found it quite odd actually. I won't boast in anything but my WEAKNESS? I mean, who's gonna brag about being REALLY BAD at bowling? No one! I've always admired, looked up to Paul... yet, this statement somehow caught me off guard. Then as I continued to read, I saw what he actually meant.

"And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

WOW! Here's the deal... it's not just about how great I am at something or how talented I am at a certain thing... it's about how weak I am as well. My talent, desires, passions, and goodness will get me places... and God even desires that we become GREAT in our endeavors... yet, I should still recognize my weaknesses.

In life, it's natural to recognize and appreciate our strengths. That's what we want to focus on, and sometimes we even over commit based upon them. But, according to Paul, if I would recognize and even respect my weaknesses then Christ becomes even stronger in me. Therefore, If Christ is stronger in me THROUGH my weakness, then my strength becomes stronger because of Christ.

So, I struggle in things. I struggle with sometimes listening intently to people, trusting people, shoot, trusting God sometimes! I struggle with understanding reasoning, I struggle with prayer, I struggle with being a good husband. I struggle with the thought of not being a good pastor, or even a good father one day (in the near future!) I struggle with quiet time sometimes, I'm weak in my stress, I'm weak in time management. I know what I'm strong at, and I rejoice in that. But, beginning today, I will also rejoice in my weakness... because just as I'm becoming weak, I am also becoming strong, because THEN Christ becomes stronger than me... and isn't that the goal anyway?

So, GO... Be WEAK... and be strong at the same time... just live your life, and let it please God.