Refined by Circumstances

Throughout history being "weak" or having "weaknesses" was negatively looked at. Even in modern day "weakness" has received a bad connotation.  Lord Chesterfield in a letter to his sons wrote, " Men are much more unwilling to have their weaknesses and their imperfections known than their crimes" (Frank, 2001). The French have a saying that goes right along with Chesterfield's mentality and that is, " The greatest weakness of all is the fear of appearing weak" (Frank, 2001). 

Apostle Paul had a different perspective when it came to weakness. In his letter to the Corinthians Paul boasted about his weaknesses. He took the complete opposite spin on the matter. While others boasted on their successes and achievements, Paul boasted and pointed out his weaknesses. Why would one do such a thing? What is the purpose? In his letter Paul answered why as he wrote, "I will boast all the more, gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12: 9-10).

Apostle Paul saw his weaknesses as an opportunity for God to receive glory! If one is a terrible public speaker for example, and fears speaking in front of others, and he is called to give a message or share his story despite this weakness, when he steps out and does well, God is glorified. We can do all things through Him who gives us strength! If you were given a label, if you were told that you cannot succeed or reach a new level in  your recovery, if you were told that you cant get that job, no matter what the case may be, every area where you feel that you cannot do something, God says, but I can and my grace is sufficient for you. So rejoice in your weakness and allow God to use you through them. Every weakness is an opportunity to overcome. 

Take the opposite spin on negative matters and try to see each obstacle as an opportunity! Your circumstances do not define you, they merely refine you.


Article Written By: Jessica Felix Jager, MSW

References

Bible. 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10


Frank, L.R. (2001.) Quotationary.  New York, NY: Random House, Inc