From the Throne to the Manger

12/10/23 – 12/18/23

Magnified in Weakness

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  12/16/23

In the Christian life, admission of weakness leads us to true strength because we rely not on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

Read 2 Corinthians 12:6-10.

Jesus, God of very God, had an earthly mother so that we might have a heavenly Father. He made Himself human so that we might know everlasting life. And if we are to live for Him now, we must follow Him on the path of finding strength in weakness.

On this side of heaven, before Christ returns, it is only by learning to trust in what we cannot see that we can be truly strong. For when we trust in our own abilities, we are trusting in our flesh—which will ultimately fail us and can bear no lasting fruit.

Paul’s own weakness—his thorn in his flesh—tormented him, and he pleaded with the Lord three times to have it removed. But God was teaching Paul not to rely on himself but on God (see 2 Corinthians 1:9). Through it all, Paul realized that only by boasting in his weaknesses could Christ’s power rest upon him.

Christ came to save people who have come to the end of themselves—who are weary of trusting in their own strength. Where in your life do you currently feel weak? It is in this very area that He wants to magnify Himself. God is a good Father who is ready and willing to come to your aid. His grace is sufficient for you!

Prayer: Lord, every moment of the day I need You. And You are there. You will never leave me or forsake me. You are faithful and true. May I glorify You with every breath You give me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“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).