The Sheer Sweetness of Sickly Servants: Why I Marvel at God's Chosen Weakness
Hey everyone! So, lately, I've been thinking a lot about those times in life when things just aren’t easy. You know, when your body feels like it's betraying you, or when you’re laid up with some bug. And honestly? I've found a weird sort of comfort, a real peace, in recognizing these moments as part of God's plan. It's like He's using these times of weakness to teach us something really profound.
I mean, think about it. We often focus on strength and health, which is good and natural. But what about when we’re not feeling our best? That's where I’ve discovered a new perspective, thanks to the Bible. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” It’s a verse that’s always struck me, but it’s been hitting home lately in a whole new way. It’s not just about *accepting* weakness, but about seeing it as a place where God’s power can really shine.
Recently, I had this awful cold. I mean, the kind that has you curled up on the couch, feeling like a soggy dishrag. I was supposed to be helping out at the church bake sale, which I was super excited about, but there was no way I could. I was so disappointed, and honestly, I felt a bit sorry for myself. But then, I remembered Paul's words about weakness and God’s grace. I suddenly saw this sick day, not as a setback, but as a way for me to slow down, to just be still, and really focus on my relationship with God. It was a total game changer!
That day, even though I was stuck inside feeling awful, I felt this overwhelming peace. I spent some time reading scripture, praying, and just thinking about God’s love. And honestly, I felt closer to Him than I had in a long time. It was like, in my physical weakness, my spiritual connection was amplified. It was like the more useless I felt to the world, the more useful I was to God. It’s so counter-intuitive, right?
It reminds me of how often the Bible talks about God using the seemingly weak to accomplish great things. Think about Moses, who had a stutter (Exodus 4:10-12) or Gideon, who was the least in his family (Judges 6:15). These aren't the "strong" heroes we might expect, but God used them mightily, and they found their strength *in* their weakness. It makes me consider if my strength is a distraction? If my health is a veil, keeping me from total reliance on God?
This isn’t just about physical sickness either. Sometimes, our “weakness” can be a difficult relationship, a financial struggle, or even a period of doubt. But God is right there, in the midst of it all, offering his grace and his power. He’s not asking us to be perfect, or strong all the time. He's asking us to trust him, even (and maybe especially) when we’re feeling our worst. It’s like, when the world sees us as being at our weakest, God looks down and says, "Now, I can *really* work with them". It’s almost like it takes the focus off me, and puts it right on God, where it should be.
It’s made me so much more compassionate towards others as well. When I see someone struggling, I’m not thinking about their weakness or their failing. I’m thinking, “Wow, God is doing something amazing with that person right now, that I can’t see”. I get this feeling they are going through this “chosen infirmity” to grow closer to God, and what a beautiful thing that is.
So, next time you’re feeling down, or sick, or just plain weak, try to see it through a different lens. Ask yourself, what is God doing here? How can I find his grace in this moment? Trust me, you might just be surprised at the peace you discover. Embrace those “sickly” moments, knowing that they are opportunities for His power to be made perfect in your life. He has chosen these moments for us, so how can we not find joy in that?
I’d love to know, what are some of the “weak” moments in your life where you’ve experienced God’s strength? Share your stories with me!