embrace your weaknesses

If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:6-10 NLT)

Paul, with great reason, struggled with pride. With an ever growing fan base, I could see it being an easy thing to struggle with. I, on the other hand, struggle with insecurities. 

In this passage, Paul is saying God has given his this "thorn in his side," this "handicap" to keep him grounded. It actually translates to an angel of Satan or demon, but that's another post. 

Pride pushes God out of the picture. He is no longer needed because it is now all about you. In the same way, insecurity pushes God out too. It is saying God is not capable of working through you. This passage is telling us to embrace our weaknesses because through them God is able to accomplish His work in you. 

God says, "My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness." (MSG)

Humility is that place in between pride and insecurity. It's where you recognize God's sovereignty, power, and authority. Where you give over control and let Him complete His perfect work. 

I love how Paul's words are phrased in The Message: "Now I take my 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."