Strength in Weakness: A Devotional on 2 Corinthians 12:9

It’s easy to admire strength in others—physical strength, emotional resilience, mental toughness. But when we hit the wall ourselves, weakness can feel like failure. Scripture offers a surprising truth: weakness is not something to hide but a doorway to God’s power. What if your greatest impact could flow from your most significant limitations?

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

God’s power is perfected in our limitations.

The Apostle Paul knew what it meant to struggle. Despite being a spiritual giant, church planter, and miracle worker, he faced something he couldn’t fix—what he called a “thorn in the flesh.” He pleaded with God to take it away. Not once. Not twice. But three times. And what was God’s response? Not removal. Not relief. But revelation: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

That’s not the answer we expect.

God’s response is countercultural in a world that values competence, charisma, and control. He doesn’t promise to make Paul stronger in himself—he promises to be strong through Paul’s weakness. This wasn’t a divine “no”—it was a loving redirection: “You don’t need to be stronger. You need to trust deeper.”

We often see weakness as a liability. We’re afraid to admit when overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted—especially in ministry or leadership. But God doesn’t ask us to pretend we have it all together. He works most powerfully through those who are honest about their need for Him.

What if the very thing you’re asking God to remove is what He’s using to reveal His power in your life? What if your dependence is the key to your effectiveness?

Something beautiful happens when we surrender our pride, our need to impress, and our illusion of control. The power of Christ rests upon us. The word “rest” literally means to “dwell” or “tabernacle”—His presence fills the space our strength used to occupy.

So if you’re feeling weak today—emotionally drained, spiritually dry, physically tired, or mentally overwhelmed—don’t disqualify yourself. You’re exactly where God does His best work. You may not feel strong, but you can be Spirit-empowered.

Because in the Kingdom of God, weakness isn’t the end of the story. It’s the beginning of something miraculous.

Action Step

Identify one area where you’ve been trying to appear strong when you’re feeling weak. Invite the Holy Spirit into that space today. Write a prayer of surrender in your journal or say it out loud:

“Lord, I give You this weakness. Be strong through me.”

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“The great paradox of the Christian life is that strength comes through weakness, not apart from it.”
— Joni Eareckson Tada

Have you ever experienced God’s strength showing up in your weakness? Share your testimony in the comments and encourage others to stand firm in faith.

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Prayer

Father, I confess that I don’t like feeling weak. I want to be capable, confident, and in control. But today, I surrender my strength. I invite You into my weakness. Let Your power rest on me. Help me stop pretending and start depending. Be glorified not despite my weakness—but through it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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It begins with Christ!

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Blessings,

Chad 

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