Strength....from Weakness?

Would you believe someone who told you that true strength comes from weakness or would you think they were talking in circles? I know I did, I didn't quite understand what the deal was there.

Strength from weakness? Hmmm...

So, because of Christ, I am pleased in weakness, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:10

The very idea that someone would be pleased in weakness is counter-intuitive to athletes or competitors alike. The mind set is that the stronger person wins. How can you embody weakness
and still project a strong competitive spirit?

I think I understood it better watching coach Tony Dungy as he projected strength, class and dignity during the low points he faced as his team went on their Super Bowl run. He lost a son as his team was winning games. It would have been easy for him to succumb to the weakness he must have been feeling during those days. But he projected the strength that was the hallmark of his book Quiet Strength. I wanted to know where he found this amazing strength.

Admitting that you are weak to sin or temptations and need strength is always the first part of becoming stronger spiritually. Once we surrender ourselves to Christ we allow him to take control of us and our heart, mind and spirit. This recognition of our initial weakness leads to strength.

We need to learn how to embrace our weakness as an opportunity become stronger and use our strengths for higher purposes.

STRENGTH - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. - Ephesians 6:10