Power perfected in weakness

I like being in control. I like having leverage. I like knowing that I am operating from a position of strength. So whether I am about to tackle a project or solve a problem, I am heartened when my strength audit shows a positive balance.

But is this kind of strength mindset a strength? What is one to do when one's strength balance is in the red? And is it not often the case that life throws us situations that are totally beyond our control and far beyond any ability we might have to deal with them. Should the husband of the cancer sufferer, for example, give up when his wife's medical aid cover runs out? Should I shy away from obedience to God because it requires risk?

As Christians in Zimbabwe, we have become accustomed to comfort and influence. When I - as a pastor - visit the local police station, I am treated with respect. Would that be the case in China? Further, I pastor a wealthy church (by Zimbabwean and indeed world standards). I cannot remember an occasion in the last ten years when I have experienced serious persecution, hunger or cold. Perhaps this has contributed to a "strength" mindset, making it difficult for me to deal with situations that put me in a weak position.

I think that we need to begin crucifying our dependence on strength. When God calls you to do something of value, He will put you in a place of weakness so that together you may work in the realm of His power. Then God will be glorified by your success because it will be evident to all that you could never have pulled it off alone.

If you have some doubts about this approach to life and ministry, read Paul's defence against the so called "super-apostles" in 2 Corinthians 10-12:10.

Paul's entire ministry was conducted from a place of weakness. He appeared timid (10:1), unimpressive (v10) and unable to speak well (v11). Paul was defenceless against the weather, nature, poverty, Jews, Gentiles, bandits, and even false Christians, with the result that he experienced lashings, beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, hunger, nakedness, stress and sleepless nights (11:23-28).

"Who is weak, and I do not feel weak?" Paul asks (11:29). Indeed, who is? Paul had few or no defences.

But as if this is not enough evidence of weakness, Paul goes on to describe how he had to escape from Damascus in a basket (11:30-33), then he turns to what seems to have been his ultimate humiliation: a "thorn in the flesh" which tormented him, and which he begged God  to remove on three occasions (12:7-8).

However, what is Paul's conclusion on the subject of weakness? Having heard from God that, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness", Paul concludes: "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 persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong".

"Boast", "gladly" and "delight" - are these the kind of words we usually use in the same context as weaknesses, insults, persecutions and difficulties? Perhaps they should be.

If you are facing difficulties or God is asking you to take a risk, do not be daunted if your strength balance is in the red. When circumstances are beyond your resources, God's supplies will make up the difference. When you are weak, God's power will rest on you, and then you will be strong. God's power is made perfect in weakness!