“When I am weak, then I am strong.” The Christian journey is filled with distinct phases. At certain moments in life, we experience the fullness of God’s glory, grace, and power, feeling “strong.” On the other hand, we also go through desert seasons that leave us feeling “weak or powerless” to press on. When we traverse the spiritual desert, it sometimes feels like we’re in a car with barely enough fuel to continue the journey. The enemy of our souls tries to convince us that we’ll be destroyed by the desert’s drought and that God has abandoned us. But the Apostle Paul declares:
“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 12:10)
Finding Strength in Weakness
This beautiful biblical passage reminds us that even amidst life’s difficulties and challenges, we can find strength and comfort in our faith. In moments of weakness, it’s vital to remember that we are strengthened by God’s presence in our lives.
The Apostle Paul teaches us that times of weakness are also opportunities for growth. The insults, hardships, persecutions, difficulties, and trials we face for the sake of God can arise unexpectedly, making us feel fragile. Yet, it’s in these very moments that God shows us we are stronger than we realize. God’s power is perfected in our weaknesses:
“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.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
When we go through seasons of apparent weakness, it’s God’s power that refines our lives. It’s during these times that we seek God most fervently with all our hearts. When we feel weak, we often kneel and ask God to guide us, realizing that nothing can separate us from His love:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:35)
Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love
Reflecting on the verse in Romans 8:35, a question arises: What could separate us from God’s love? The answer is clear—nothing can separate us from the love of God. His love is unconditional, eternal, and infinite. No matter what we do, where we are, or how we feel, God’s love is always with us. It surrounds us with His grace and mercy, sustaining us in our darkest moments and rejoicing with us in times of joy.
Though tribulation may bring sadness and discouragement, it cannot separate us from God’s love. Hardship may afflict and try to stop us, but it too fails to sever us from God’s love. Persecution may come, yet it cannot pull us away from Him. Even if we face adversity for loving God, He remains by our side, and we remain with Him.
Famine and nakedness cannot distance us from God’s love, for He is our provider. Neither danger nor the sword can separate us from this love, as the psalmist affirms:
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
The Desert Seasons in the Christian Journey
In the Christian walk, there are times of exaltation, but there will also be seasons when we leave those glorious moments behind and face deserts. These deserts may seem long and barren, but it’s important to recognize that they are part of our spiritual journey. It’s in these challenging times that we can find strength and growth, developing our faith and perseverance. Just as rain causes a desert to bloom, difficulties can strengthen us and prepare us for new blessings to come. So, don’t lose heart during these periods—overcoming adversity reveals the true strength of our faith.
Walking with God Through Every Phase
Throughout the Christian journey, we’ll experience moments of deep intimacy with God, where we learn from Him like a child taking their first steps under a father’s guidance. God encourages us to move forward, and in times of difficulty, He shows us that we walk with Him through every phase of life—both the simple and the challenging. He reveals His constant presence and teaches us that, at times, we must take our own steps, always with Him by our side, preventing us from falling.
Walking through the desert can bring insecurity, fear, a sense of weakness, and even despair. Yet, this desert journey offers new experiences with God, fostering intimacy, strength, and spiritual growth. Through overcoming these trials, we find the strength to press on. So, don’t focus on your “weaknesses,” but on the strength God will grant you from this moment forward.
Embracing Our Strength in God
We all have unique qualities that make us special and capable of achieving our goals. Instead of dwelling on what you see as weaknesses, look to your positive attributes and how you can use them to your advantage. A positive self-perception is key to personal growth and fulfilling our dreams. Believe in yourself and your potential—you are stronger than you think.
Perhaps you’re thinking, “I’m weak, I’m small, I can’t do it!” Look to the past and follow David’s example—he defeated a lion and a bear, then chose to conquer a giant. Show determination to overcome weaknesses, conquer fears, face challenges, and surpass limitations.
Looking back, we see that we’ve overcome many obstacles and faced trials along the way, yet here we are. Understand that the journey to this point has been filled with lessons and growth. Every challenge we’ve surmounted has strengthened us, built our faith, deepened our intimacy with God, and made us more patient. Now, looking ahead, we know we’re capable of facing whatever comes next, because our faith, determination, and God are greater than any adversity. The Bible assures us:
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
A Simple Reflection on Life’s First Victory
To conclude, consider a simple reflection! From a human scientific perspective, observing an individual in the womb reveals that our first battle is the fight for life itself. If we’re here today, it’s because we were born victorious.
Life is a precious gift, a journey filled with challenges, discoveries, and growth. From the moment we begin forming in our mother’s womb, we’re enveloped by a mighty God who empowers us to overcome obstacles and move forward. Every day, God teaches us that each of us carries within ourselves the strength needed to triumph over adversities and pursue our deepest dreams. By recognizing that life itself is our first victory, we can face each day with gratitude and determination, knowing we’re capable of achieving what we desire.
Sharing the Message of Faith
May we carry this word of faith to those who have yet to encounter God. If this message has uplifted your life, we ask just two things:
- Leave your comment to edify our faith.
- Share it on social media so other lives may also be impacted by God’s power.
