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My name is Peggi, and I am weak.

I often struggle with anxiety, insomnia, and … I’m sorry, but that’s the extent of vulnerability I can handle today.

We hate to admit our weaknesses, don’t we? We’d rather appear strong, vibrant, and invincible.

In contrast, the apostle Paul boasts of his weakness. I never think of Paul as weak. He was an evangelist, healer, church planter, epistle writer, and defender of the faith. However, amidst his impressive resume, Paul confessed to a weakness so intense it tormented him—a thorn in his flesh. Suddenly, we can all relate to Paul. For although we have strengths, our weaknesses torment us.

What’s surprising is that Paul’s thorn was God-ordained. Although Paul begged, God refused to remove it, saying, “My power works best in weakness.” That’s not the answer we want from the Lord. We want miraculous healing and deliverance. But Paul understood. The thorn was God’s tool. It kept him humble. Paul’s impressive resume was not the result of his incredible skills, but God’s work in and through him.

Paul takes vulnerability to a new level by boasting of his weakness. He provides yet another example of God’s upside-down culture. The reality is we are all weak. Thorns remind us … we need God. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. But with Him, nothing is impossible. Our frailties and limitations force us to rely on God’s strength, thereby making us strong.

More often than I care to admit, I’ve taught, written, or mentored while battling anxiety or brain fog from lack of sleep. The temptation is to quit or cancel. There is no shame in this. However, when I feel weakest, I rely most on God’s strength. When I do, His Holy Spirit takes the lead and teaches, writes, or mentors through me. When I am weak, then I am strong.

Don’t let that thorn discourage you. Don’t quit. Don’t give up. It’s not in strength but in your weakness that Christ is magnified.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)