Hey all! Welcome to today’s post of encouragement—and this year’s first Sunday Encouragement post! (My OCD-self who does not actually have OCD loves that the first one starts with fifty-ONE (so each week of the year matches the number?!) just the evenness and perfection makes me happy. And the fact that it was unplanned?! I love it.)

There’s a verse in 2 Corinthians that is a beautiful summarization of the relationship we can have with God.

‘But [God] 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.’
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

This verse tells us in words as clear as day that God’s grace makes up for our weaknesses—and even more so, it overwhelms and is perfection in the sight of weakness. This is not to shame us, but rather so say with love, “I’m here for you and I got your back.”

Paul writes then, saying that he will boast about his weakness—not because he is strong, no! But because God is strong. He’s saying, “Y’all, don’t shame me for my weakness! If anything, be grateful that God is going to come down to us and be strong for us.”

Now, I really really love The Message version of this verse—it says this:

‘“My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.”

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.‘
2 Corinthians 12:9 MSG

I love the way that Paul’s words are paraphrased. It’s a very joyful attitude, and he’s not indignant or embarrassed about being weak. He’s satisfied, content, at ease, knowing that God’s got his back, no matter how weak he himself feels.

This goes for every moment of weakness you have ever felt—when you are battling self-hatred, God says, “Hey, let me tell you what is true and right. I know you are a child of God and you are a beautiful reflection of Me.” When you are struggling with sin, God says, “Let me give you strength to resist the temptation.” When you are feeling overwhelmed, God says, “I’ll show you what it means to rest in My peace and safety. Your failures do not define you, and my goodness is more than enough to make you whole.”

The fact that you are weak does not mean that God is weak—you’re human, God is God. And God is also your Father, Teacher, Helper, Guide, and best friend: so His power will be more than enough.

Thanks for reading, I hope you found this encouraging!
~Willow