2Co 13:4 says "For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you." The world’s definition of weakness is often the opposite of God’s definition. The world says your weak if your not independent. The Bible says your weak if your not God dependent. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Mt 26:41). A Christian should live knowing that without Jesus, he can do nothing (Jn 15:5): but through Christ, he can do all things (Phi 4:13). A Christian should have no confidence in his flesh (Phi 3:3). Our life is in HIM (Col 3:3). We identify with His weakness at the crucifixion; and we identify with His power and strength at the resurrection.
The Apostle Paul had a great revelation of this. He said he would glory in weakness; that he would take pleasure in weakness: Because when he is weak in himself, God is strong through him (2Cor 12:9-10). God has made it clear that it is not by our might or our power; it’s by The Spirit of God that we get the victory in life (Zech 4:6). The arm of the flesh is weak; the arm of God is strong (2Ch 32:8).
Paul repeated several times in Scripture that he wasn’t well spoken; nor was he much to look at. People said he was weak in body, and his speech was contemptible (despised) and rude (Gk- idiotic) {2Cor 10:10, 11:6}. One historical writing says he was a bald, short man with bowed legs and eyebrows that met. He was very weak when he preached in Galatia, being nearly stoned to death in Lystra (Acts 14). Though he was weak, yet he was strong (Gal 4:13-14). Paul didn’t come with excellent speech, or enticing words of man’s wisdom- He came with power and demonstration of The Holy Ghost (1Cor 2:1-5). He lived and practiced the Word of God. That’s why he succeeded. He didn’t look at his own gifting or talents; he looked only at God in him (Phi 3:1-10). When he was weak, he was actually strong.
Child of God, you may be going through some major problems right now; but don’t be discouraged. You can glorify God in the midst of it all. There is no testimony without a test. There is no victory without a battle. There is no refining without a fire. People are like tea bags: What’s in them comes out when they’re put in hot water. Although God doesn’t bring destruction into our lives, He can use Satan’s attempts to destroy us (as well as our own stupid decisions); and work them together for our good. He can use those trials as a training ground, to make us more and more Christ-like. Trial by fire brings out the impurities in us, so that we can recognize them and repent; and ultimately be made stronger and wiser because of them.
God hasn’t forsaken you: that’s a promise (Heb 13:5). God always makes a way of escape (1Cor 10:13). Purpose in your heart that your going over, not under. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but The Lord delivers us out of them all (Ps 34:19). Know who your enemy is. It is not God. If it’s stealing, killing, and destroying - it’s Satan. If it’s abundant life - it’s God (Jn 10:10). In this world we shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer - Jesus has overcome the world (Jn 16:33)!!
One last thought: when you suffer, suffer as a righteous man - not as an evil doer. There is no shame in suffering for righteousness sake. In fact, it’s acceptable to God; and we should rejoice when it happens (1Pt 2:19-20, 3:14, 4:13-16). It just means you’re living Godly (2Tim 3:12). If the world hates you for being Christ-like, then good (Mk 13:13, Jn 15:18). You don’t want to be a friend of the world anyway (Jam 4:4). We should seek to please Jesus (Gal 1:10); that’s what is truly important. I pray this has blessed you, and until next time, rejoice in The Lord!
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