“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)
It’s often in our weakest moments that we experience God’s strength most profoundly. It is when we acknowledge our limitations and depend on His strength and power that we discover that His grace is sufficient to carry us through any challenge
The concept of “God’s strength” is often expressed through the Hebrew word “Oz” (עֹז), which means “strength, power, or might.” When referring to God’s strength, it conveys the idea of divine power, protection, and the ability to overcome challenges.
A Story from History:
In the summer of 1967, Joni Eareckson was just 17 years old—full of life, athletic, and adventurous. She loved riding horses, swimming, and playing sports. But in one moment, her life changed forever.
One afternoon, Joni dove into the Chesapeake Bay. Misjudging the depth of the water, she struck her head on the bottom. Instantly, her neck snapped, and she was left paralyzed from the shoulders down. Doctors told her she would never walk again, never use her hands, and would live the rest of her life in a wheelchair.
At first, Joni’s world collapsed. She sank into deep depression. She felt angry at God, wondering how He could allow such tragedy. She even begged her friends to help her end her life, believing she had no future. Her prayers for healing went unanswered. But over time, God began to meet her in her weakness. Friends read Scripture to her, and she clung to promises like 2 Corinthians 12:9—“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
Slowly, Joni began to understand that while God hadn’t healed her body, He was healing her heart. She began writing about her journey, turning her pain into words of hope. She founded Joni and Friends, a ministry dedicated to serving people with disabilities and their families. Joni says, “The weaker I am, the harder I must lean on God’s grace. The harder I lean on Him, the stronger I discover Him to be.” The Lord has used her weakness not as defeat, but as a living testimony of His sustaining power and abundant grace.
In your daily life, don’t shy away from your spiritual or physical weaknesses. Instead, bring them to God in prayer, asking Him to work through them for His glory. Embrace the truth that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness, and allow His strength to shine through your vulnerabilities.
As you rely on God’s strength, you will find that He equips you to overcome obstacles and fulfill His purposes for your life. Whether you’re facing physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges, God’s grace and strength are more than enough to sustain you.
Prayer:
Lord, I acknowledge my weaknesses and the areas where I fall short. But I thank You that Your grace is sufficient and that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Help me to lean on You and to trust in Your power to carry me through. May Your strength be evident in my life, and may I find comfort in knowing that You are my source of strength. Thank You for Your unwavering support and for the peace that comes from relying on You. Amen.
Verses to Meditate On:
- Isaiah 40:29-31 (NKJV)
“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” - Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Psalm 73:26 (NKJV)
“My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” - Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” - Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV)
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
