Strength in Weakness

How does one have strength in weakness? Consider St. Paul’s boast: “I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me” [2 Corinthians 12:9]. Where St. Paul found contentment, I find aversion.

Remember: St. Paul pleaded with God to remove the “thorn” from his flesh. But the Lord denied him, saying: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” [2 Corinthians 12:9]. For St. Paul, God’s denial was a blessing.

With God’s grace, that thorn kept Paul humble, pinning his faith, hope, and trust in the Lord who gave him strength. Yet, how many of us are able or willing to discern the Lord’s graces and blessings amid our frailties, shortcomings, and adversities? Oftentimes, I do not feel God’s strength in my struggles.

Contentment

St. Paul said he was content with “weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong” [2 Corinthians 12:10]. That is where St. Paul loses me. There I see the kind of suffering I try so hard to avoid.

Was Jesus content in his sufferings? Knowing what he was to endure for the sake of humanity’s salvation, Jesus sweated blood as He agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done” [Luke 22:42]. What Jesus endured was excruciating!

Warning his disciples, Christ said: “Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test” [Luke 22:46]. I pray I do not have to undergo any test of faith because honestly, I am afraid I would flunk! And yet, the Lord teaches me with great patience. Although I grapple with St. Paul’s revelations, I know strength and contentment come with full faith and trust in God’s providence.

The Lord’s Delight

When we submit our lives to God and follow his will, we receive his strength which provides contentment in our circumstances. Our heavenly Father wants to give us his graces and blessings in our joys, works, and especially our sorrows so that nothing leads us to sin. His delight is in our salvation! He came down from Heaven and became man for that purpose.

Through the greatness of his love for us, our Lord endured the suffering of his passion and crucifixion to save us from sin. Offering his body and pouring out his blood, he poured out his merciful love for each of us. “He bore the punishment that makes us whole, by his wounds we were healed” [Isaiah 53:5].

Therefore, our Lord wants us to come to him without pretense. United with him—with all our wounds, weaknesses, and brokenness—nothing is endured in vain as we partake in his divine nature. God delights in our acceptance of his love. He delights in us giving our love in return to him and to one another.

May our fears, frailties, and failings never stop us from finding contentment with our Lord. Let us not deprive ourselves of experiencing the miracles of God’s graces and blessings working in us and through us. The Lord’s strength in our weaknesses comes with his love. So be it!