"For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10
This is one of those verses that you might find to be easier spoken than lived. To be content with insults, hardships, persecution and calamities is pretty challenging! Have you ever considered the amount of struggle that would have to pass in your life for you to be content in weakness because you have seen God's constant faithfulness?
We all have weaknesses. For some, it may be financial instability, others it could be a constant wrestling with our thoughts or words. Maybe you have a weakness that you identify with. This verse shows that when we struggle, we should not see our troubles through the lens of weakness. We should certainly not accept the way others interpret our circumstances.
Some versions of this verse state, "In my weakness I am made strong." When someone you care about hurls insults, you may feel weakened in spirit - especially if it is a fellow believer. The Lord calls us not to run from those struggles but to embrace them, grow from them, and become strong enough to see the good that came from them.
Look at 2 Corinthians 12:9. Jesus says “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Wow! Jesus' power is made perfect in your weakness. How many times have you heard someone say "just let it roll off your back?" What if you didn't let it roll off your back, but rather sat down and prayed about the things that are troubling you in relationships, work, and responsibilities. God's power in your life is made perfect in your weakness. His grace is sufficient - that means he sees your weakness and loves you anyway. His grace is enough and our weakness makes us more valuable than if we were able to handle conflict perfectly at all times.
What conflicts, struggles or hardships do you need to work through in prayer? How can you glorify God through your weaknesses? What areas do you feel that you have become stronger because of adversity?
