Sounds pretty contradictory, doesn't it? I am strong, because of the fact that I am weak. A lot comes to my mind when I think of what strength is. My initial thoughts are physical strength. The media today a lot of times depicts physical strength by being able to lift something heavy, and it can be shown as a very flattering thing. A common characteristic of the "hottie" in a lot of movies is physical strength. A lot of females, including myself, find physical strength to be very attractive on guys. Society has made it a common trait of masculinity.
Society has also portrayed weakness as a bad thing. In terms of physical strength, the weak one is typically the one who isn't capable of as much. Weakness is shown as a limitation or even an inhibition. People are portrayed as less in media typically. Society also almost looks down on weaknesses, and a lot of insecurities can stem from this.
I've heard the phrase, "You're so strong" said so many times in different contexts and it allows me to think and ponder on what this strength actually means. When someone is commented on being strong through a difficult circumstance, strength is demonstrated by being willing to power through, despite what life is being thrown at you.
The Bible talks about strengths and weaknesses as well, but not in the same way the world does. 2 Corinthians 12:9 states, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness..." Strength is made perfect in weakness? Is that even possible? Strength and weakness are the complete opposite! How is it possible to be strong when you're weak?
I will be the first to admit that I don't understand this, but that's because it doesn't make sense that God would love and have such a purpose for a broken person like me. I'm grateful that he does though. In the verses right before verse nine, Paul refers to having a "thorn in the flesh" and asking God to remove it. It is then when Jesus says that His strength is enough to overcome the thorn. His strength along is enough when we are weak. The rest of verse nine says, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Verse ten says, "For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
God sees weakness in a totally different light than what man does. God sees our weakness as a chance for us to be used for His glory. We are weak whether we want to admit it or not. When we look at what the Bible calls us, it is very humbling and destroys pride. We are sinful, broken people and God is perfect. The strength that the world offers is not lasting. The only eternal strength comes from God, and it all starts with weakness. Something that we all fear. Yet God invites it.
