Strong in Christ Despite Our Weakness - Carla D Burnette

2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong [in Christ]” (CSB).

Is God asking something of you that seems impossible? Something way out of your comfort zone? Perhaps it is homeschooling your kids, speaking in front of a large group, going on a mission trip or sharing the gospel in your neighborhood/workplace. You may be thinking, “How can I possibly do this?”

This described me after receiving an invitation to speak to parents at a student speech conference. I was to share the reason for enrolling my daughters to learn public speaking skills. Honestly, I didn’t want them to be like me. My voice quivers, my hands shake, and my stomach flutters whenever I speak in front of an audience, especially a large one. Public speaking terrifies me.

Yet here I am facing one of my greatest fears and having to publicly disclose my weakness. Despite my fear, the Lord urged me to say “yes” assuring me that He would be with me. He also reminded me that vulnerability provides an opportunity for others to relate to our struggles and find encouragement.

In obedience to the Lord, I agreed to speak at the conference, and requested friends and family to pray for me. Even though I was terrified, I trusted God to empower me with courage and provide the words to speak.

His Grace is Sufficient

Thankfully, Scripture assures us that His grace is sufficient, for His power is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Therefore, we are strong in Christ despite our weakness.

Beth Moore, author and speaker, defines grace as “God’s divine ability working in us, making us able to do what we can’t do in our own ability.”

Friend, no matter what impossible thing is asked of you, His grace is enough. Christ’s power will enable and empower you. When God asks something that seems impossible in our own strength, it requires us to rely solely on Him. As a result, our trust deepens in the Lord, and we draw closer to Him.

Strong in Christ

When I arose to speak that day, I acknowledged my fear, giving glory to God for the courage to speak. As I continued, I noticed my body beginning to relax, the shakiness in my voice subsided and my trembling hands stabilized. I began to speak with confidence. Only God could enable me to do what seemed impossible. Through my weakness, the Lord demonstrated His power by making me strong in Christ.

Friend, He will enable and empower you to do the impossible too. Go to the Lord in prayer. Request His help. Admit your fear and tell Him your feelings. When you do, it shows God that you trust Him with your fear and cultivates intimacy with Him. Then believe His grace will be sufficient, empowering you to be strong in Christ.

Say “Yes”

When we say “yes” to God, we

honor Him
show God that we trust Him
draw closer to God as we fully rely on Him
display His glory and power
encourage others to say “yes”

Friends, let’s be obedient vessels for God’s glory, trusting He will be with us and will empower us.

Father, You are faithful to Your Word. Thank You that Your grace is always sufficient. Give us courage to say “yes” to whatever You ask of us. Help us to trust that You will empower and enable us. We desire to glorify You and be obedient to You. We love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Scripture References for Further Study

Philippians 4:13, “I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (CSB).

Romans 5:3-4, “we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope” (CSB).

Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand” (CSB).