How to Handle Our Weakness
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
We live in the fitness age. For the body, we have gyms and diets. For the mind, we can choose from myriad how-to books and seminars about thinking positively and ridding ourselves of bad habits. The truth is we all have one, two, or more weaknesses to confront. In the Bible, we find wise counsel for how to handle these areas in our life.
If you look honestly at yourself, you can identify what you think may be your weakness. It could be physical – a disability you were born with or developed – or it could be emotional, mental, or spiritual. Whatever it might be, Paul’s words apply to you. The first thing we must do is acknowledge the presence of our weakness. Secondly, it is important that we recognize the purpose of frailty. Paul says his thorn in the flesh was to keep him from exalting himself. His weakness was preventative maintenance on the part of God, who knew that dependence kept Paul’s pride in check.
We should consider what our weakness says about us. For example, if a person struggles with dishonesty, a close analysis of his thinking might reveal that the real problem is a fear of rejection. To protect himself, he will lie his way out of threatening situations. But by giving in to his weakness, the dishonest man reacts wrongly. Other wrong responses to weakness are ignoring it, denying it, or excusing it. The only right response is to remember the promise of God, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). His words to Paul are meant as an encouragement for every believer.
Daily Devotions with Dr. Charles Stanlley, InTouch Ministries