What about a Christian’s Weakness?
By Elizabeth Prata
There’s weakness, and then there’s weakness. It depends on which kind you’re talking about.
Christian women are noted as the weaker vessel. (1 Peter 3:7).
As for Christian weakness in general, we’re all weak, we are supposed to be. Paul said that Jesus replied to him,
‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
There’s weak because we’re laden with sin that makes us weak. That is one reason we strive not to sin. We pick up our cross daily and slay sin. When we do sin, it’s important to address it by repenting to Jesus and making things right with the other person, if you had involved another person in your sin. Sin is one reason we become weak and ineffective.
There’s weak because we understand our depravity and seek the Spirit’s strength. There’s weak when we see how powerful Jesus is, and understand our own powerlessness in the face of His omnipotence. There’s physically weak, due to illness temporary or permanent.
In some cases, God gives us weakness. He gave to Paul a “thorn in the side” both to keep Paul humble, and to demonstrate that all we need is His grace (not our own strength). (2 Corinthians 12:7)
In America where I’m from, strength is valued. Strength, bravado, and self-sufficiency are nationally recognized attributes, idols, even. In addition, American Feminism has also contributed to a national consciousness that we woman are supposed to have it all together and be capable of all things at all times. “I can bring home the bacon AND fry it up in a pan” as the old TV advertisement alleged.
The attributes of weakness, meekness, and humility aren’t as valued as they are in other nations. But it’s OK to be weak. It’s good. Why?
It’s God who strengthens us. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13).
Wouldn’t you rather have His strength than your own strength, anyway? 🙂
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Further Reading
Here are a few resources on our weakness.
Desiring God: Don’t Waste Your Weakness
The End Time: Are you a weak woman, or are you a weak woman?
Grace To You blog post: God’s Sufficient Grace
Ligonier Devotional: Power in Weakness
