When I Am Weak, He Is Strong
By Michael Kelley
There are many adjectives that you could rightly use to describe the Christian life. Joyful, satisfying, hopeful are a few of them. Then there are those that are equally true, and yet a little more difficult to accept. Words like arduous, disciplined, and troubled fit here. And in that long list of adjectives sits one more that perhaps you haven't considered recently:
Ironic.
When a situation is ironic, it means that what it appears to be on the surface is actually far different - and maybe even the opposite - deep down. Irony is a kind of contradiction of what is visible and what is real. While that description doesn't really fit around things like "rain on your wedding day" or "a free ride when you've already paid," it does fit alongside the Christian experience. Because for the Christian...
The mourners are comforted.
The empty are filled.
The least are the greatest.
These things are all true about the kingdom of God for that kingdom is, in many ways, an upside down kind of kingdom because what is actually true is not what appears to be true. There is one particular irony of the Christian life that we would do well to remember today, though, and that is the fact that for the Christian, weakness is actually strength. JI Packer, in his classic work Knowing God, describes that dynamic like this:
“God uses chronic pain and weakness, along with other afflictions, as his chisel for sculpting our lives. Felt weakness deepens dependence on Christ for strength each day. The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually, even while our bodies waste away. To live with your ‘thorn’ uncomplainingly—that is, sweet, patient, and free in heart to love and help others, even though every day you feel weak—is true sanctification. It is true healing for the spirit. It is a supreme victory of grace.”
Packer is referencing here the experience of Paul the apostle who had some kind of "thorn" in his flesh - some kind of persistent ailment that, though he prayed the Lord take it away, nevertheless remained. And for Paul, this reminder of his weakness became the catalyst for his own growth and strength in Christ:
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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. 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 Cor. 12:8-10).
Here is true irony. That the greater our awareness of our own weakness, the greater opportunity we have to lean on Christ. And through that leaning, the stronger we become. In Christ, those that freely acknowledge and deeply feel their own weakness are the ones who are spiritually mighty in Him.
What an incredible contrast to the definition of strength we find in the world. For in the world, strength is measured by our ability to do things on our own. By ourselves. By our own intelligence or ingenuity or physical presence. Those are the truly strong people in the world. But here again we find another irony, because even those considered, in the eyes of the world, to be most self-sufficient and therefore strong are just as weak as all the rest of us.
They, too, are only upheld by the grace of God.
They, too, only have breath because God sees fit for it to be so.
They, too, are only held together through the common grace of God.
These strong people are weak. They just aren't aware of it.
But for us Christians? Weakness is something to be rejoiced in. Our physical ailments? Our shifting emotions? Our penchant toward anxiety? These are all opportunities for us to rejoice. We don't rejoice because we are this way; we rejoice because every one of those weaknesses is a chance for us to consciously lean harder and harder on the strength of Jesus.
If, then, you're feeling weak today - take heart. Your weakness is an opportunity. Lean hard on Jesus and know that when you are weak, then you are strong.
What Does ‘When I Am Weak, He Is Strong’ Mean?
The phrase “when I am weak, He is strong” captures a beautiful truth about the Christian life. It reminds us that our weaknesses aren’t setbacks; instead, they’re chances for God’s strength to shine through us.
Embracing Our Limitations
When we face weakness—whether it’s physical struggles, emotional ups and downs, or spiritual doubts—it can feel like we’re at our lowest point. Yet these are the moments when we can truly experience how God’s strength works in our lives. When we are weak, He is strong; His grace becomes the lifeline that lifts us up.
Shifting Our Perspective
This shift in how we view our struggles allows us to embrace them rather than fight against them. Relying on Christ doesn’t mean we’ve failed; it actually opens the door to true empowerment. When I am weak, He is strong becomes a powerful declaration of faith. By acknowledging our need for Him, we invite His abundant grace to fill our lives.
Experiencing His Strength
As we lean into our weaknesses, we often discover that God’s strength shines brightest in our struggles. His power transforms our moments of despair into testimonies of His faithfulness. So, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that when we are weak, He is strong. This irony of the Christian life shows us that our deepest challenges can lead us to experience the fullness of God’s grace and strength. Embrace your weaknesses, and watch how they become opportunities for His power to work in and through you.
Context of 2 Corinthians for “When I Am Weak, He Is Strong”
To fully grasp the meaning of “when I am weak, He is strong,” it’s important to look at the context of this phrase in 2 Corinthians. In this letter, Paul is sharing his own struggles and the challenges he faces as an apostle. Despite his significant ministry and the power of God at work in him, Paul often experienced deep trials and personal weaknesses.
The Thorn in His Flesh
In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul speaks about a “thorn in the flesh” that he prayed earnestly to have removed. This persistent struggle serves as a backdrop for his powerful declaration about weakness. The Bible verse for when I am weak he is strong illustrates how God responded to Paul’s plea, saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This response highlights the truth that our limitations can actually lead us to rely more fully on God.
Embracing Weakness
Paul’s experience teaches us that when you are weak, He is strong. It’s a reminder that our difficulties don’t disqualify us from God’s purpose; rather, they can deepen our relationship with Him. Instead of viewing our struggles as burdens, we can see them as opportunities for God’s strength to be revealed in our lives. Paul even goes on to say that he delights in his weaknesses because they allow Christ’s power to rest on him.
A Message for All Believers
Understanding this context helps us appreciate that this message is not just for Paul; it’s for all of us. We can take comfort in knowing that our weaknesses are not the end of our story. In fact, they are a vital part of how God works in us, showing that when we lean on Him, we find true strength and resilience. So, as we navigate our own thorns, let’s remember that in our weakness, His strength is made perfect.
