Why Work in My Weakness?

Have you ever wondered why Jesus said God does His best work when we are weak?

“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)

Reflection

If you’ve walked with God for any length of time, you probably already know this from experience. It’s during our lowest moments that we tend to lean in closer, pray more often, and rely less on our own plans. I know that’s been true in my life. Still, over time, I’ve come to value my relationship with God not just in the struggle, but in every season. At least, that’s what I strive for now.

Paul calls this truth out for a reason. He was an intense, driven man. You get the sense that he was a bit obsessive at times, maybe even a little caught up in his mission. Driven people can easily crowd out anything that doesn’t fit into their framework. I say this as someone who understands that mindset well. When we are so sure of our own direction, we often miss what God wants to show us.

But weakness clears the way. It creates space for God to work.

When life has me at a standstill, when my plans fail or I run out of options, that’s when I finally ask, “God, what do You want to do with this?” And somehow, it’s in those quiet, broken places that God’s grace becomes real in a way that success never quite delivers.

It’s almost a shame that it takes struggle to wake us up. But maybe it doesn’t have to. Maybe there’s another model. Maybe we can invite God into every day, not just the ones that break us. We can be teachable in the good times too, if we choose to be open.

For me, that means a daily rhythm. I read devotionals, Scripture, old prayers and mantras that have carried me over the years. But I have to be careful not to let even those things become distractions. It’s easy to crowd out God with good intentions. Since realizing that, I’ve become more intentional about making space for His voice.

It makes me a little sad when people neglect God. Not in a judgmental way, but because I know what they’re missing. The peace, the direction, the quiet strength that comes from walking with our Creator every day. I wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything. Even in the middle of hard circumstances, I’ve found an embrace, a sense of calm that carries me. I’ve learned to trust that whatever happens, God is with me. He has a plan, even if I can’t always see it. And that is enough.

My weaknes and my surrender has allowed God to shape me in ways I never could have managed on my own. I can’t explain how it works. I only know it does. So I’ll keep showing up. I’ll keep writing, praying, and living with that posture of surrender. Because Jesus was right. There’s strength in our weakness, and grace in the letting go.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for all the times I was weak and You stepped in. Thank You for saving me from myself and for never giving up on me. I’m sorry for the times I relied too much on my own plans and forgot about You. Help me to never let the noise of life crowd You out again. Keep me, my family, and my friends safe in Your care. Help us lean into You, not just in hardship, but every day. I pray this in the name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord. Amen.