‘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. ‘ 2 Corinthians 12:9(NLT)
‘In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. ‘ 1 Peter 5:10(NLT)
‘For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. ‘ Philippians 4:13(NLT)
How would you react if someone told you when you married that your weakness, and your spouse’s, would “make you strong and your marriage last long?”
Paul wrote the epistle we call 2 Corinthians during a time of great personal turmoil. A group he calls the “super-apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:5; 12:11) was planning a coup in the Corinthian church. Their strategy was a frontal assault. The goal was to subvert Paul and seduce the church over to their leadership. It was a hostile takeover dressed up in spiritual jargon.
Have you ever been in a position where forces outside of your control are undermining you or someone you love? Live long enough and everyone encounters “super-apostles.” They come in many shapes and sizes. In a marriage, it may be a physical, mental, or emotional affliction, a history of brokenness, a financial crisis, tragedy or loss, or even seductive voices tempting a spouse away from the family.
Paul couldn’t shake these guys. They were pre-internet trolls, who assaulted Paul’s competence and credibility. The primary charge leveled against Paul could be summarized in three simple words: Paul is weak! Paul must defend himself and give an account for his ministry. Second Corinthians 10–13 records Paul’s defense, but here’s where things get interesting:
In 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, Paul rolls out a paradox that seems utterly nonsensical at first blush: Paul makes weakness his defense. His argument unfolds this way: “You think I’m weak? Well, I’ve got wonderful news for you. I’m weaker than you could ever imagine. I’m gloriously weak! In fact, I want to boast about my weakness.”
Say what?! In the coming week, we’ll examine the helpfulness of his perspective in the context of a marriage.
What circumstances are assaulting your marriage and making you feel weak or helpless?
from I Still Do by Dave Harvey