How do we deal with our weaknesses? What do we do when we are afflicted by physical suffering? The Apostle Paul recognized that God is strong when we are weak. This blog post discusses how Paul dealt with his weakness and what we can learn about dealing with suffering and difficulties in our own lives.
Paul had already overcome many difficulties and experienced suffering when he wrote his second letter to the church in Corinth. He had been imprisoned, beaten countless times, stoned, survived several shipwrecks, taken on arduous journeys, constantly persecuted, suffered hunger, sleepless nights, worries about the churches, exhaustion, and pain, among other things (2 Corinthians 11:24-28). It is a miracle that he was still alive at that point, not to mention all the scars and infirmities that he likely carried on his body, reminding him of his experiences.
When Paul talks about “weaknesses” here, he is referring not to character flaws, but to suffering and difficulties in his ministry.
Paul talks about a “thorn in the flesh” that God does not remove or heal (2 Corinthians 12:7). “Thorn” is symbolic of something that causes pain. It could refer to a physical limitation, his difficulties in ministry, or something similar.
Health is not everything. In our time and culture, health can be an idol. Through fitness, healthy eating, etc., we try to become or remain healthy, in order to feel good, look attractive and be able to live in this state for as long as possible. All in an attempt to avoid pain and suffering. Of course; who wants to voluntarily suffer, after all?
I also pay attention to a moderately healthy diet and regularly exercise, with the goal of having more strength and energy in everyday life. It’s important to take good care of yourself. However, all our efforts also have their limits, as we have less control over our health than we sometimes hope. When I read the Old Testament, I sometimes think, “They ate totally unhealthy. They constantly ate bread and meat.” No talk about vegan diets, ketogenic diets, or anything like that. 😂
Health should never be the highest good. Most great writers were sick and accomplished great things or wrote great works in their illness… If every artist or writer had only worked when they were completely healthy, we would not have achieved much in our society. Raphael Bonelli (Psychiatrist and Catholic)
Paul asked God multiple times to remove the thorn in his flesh. However, God replied:
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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Paul was reconciled to his weakness because he realized that God does not only work through strength. At the cross, God showed that He is strong even in weakness and suffering. Christ works through Paul, even through his weakness.
Furthermore, Paul was even reconciled to what he had already experienced: hardships, difficulties, persecutions, and insults. He recognized that “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Through all the suffering he experienced, Paul did not become bitter, but developed deep compassion for others who were also weak (2 Corinthians 11:29).
Paul’s reconciliation with his own story did not happen overnight, but was the result of a process that required much space and time.
God still works miracles and heals in miraculous ways through prayer or through a process.
It is a delicate balance to accept the current situation, characterized by suffering, and to trust that God can also work through our weakness while not losing hope for healing and better circumstances. Being able to hold both together and live in this discrepancy demonstrates great maturity.
We can serve God even if we are sick or plagued by difficulties, for He is strong in our weakness.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
Read more:
8 things that 5 years of chronic pain have taught me
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1 reply on “God is strong in our weakness”
Danke für deinen Post. Wie immer sehr ermutigend und so wahr. Ja Gesundheit ist wichtig, aber eben nicht alles.