The Strength of God in Us Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:10 are a paradox. We don’t often think of hardship and difficulties in life as a sign of strength or joy. Our culture often celebrates the physically and mentally strong, and it’s easy to elevate those who are successful and talented. But Paul says that God works differently among those who follow Him. Rather than looking for those who are naturally talented and strong, God likes to use those who are weak and humble. Our natural successes and talents can get in the way of God working in our life, but when we are weak and helpless, we must rely on God’s strength alone. That is why Paul says he delights in difficulty, persecution, and hardship—because it’s in those moments that God is able to be his strength and joy. God forms character in times of difficulty. Paul was not a naturally gifted speaker or writer, and yet God worked mightily within his weakness to produce powerful speeches and letters that are part of Scripture. God’s strength worked through Paul’s weakness to accomplish things Paul couldn’t do on his own. This perspective changes how we live. It’s in moments of anxiety, weakness, or difficulty, that God desires to be our strength. It’s in times of persecution and hardship that God is doing some of His deepest work within our lives. If we are in relationship with Him and depending on His strength, then He will be with us in times of weakness. He promises to be our strength in difficulty.

The Strength of God in Us Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:10 are a paradox. We don’t often think of hardship and difficulties in life as a sign of strength or joy. Our culture often celebrates the physically and mentally strong, and it’s easy to elevate those who are successful and talented. But Paul says that God works differently among those who follow Him. Rather than looking for those who are naturally talented and strong, God likes to use those who are weak and humble. Our natural successes and talents can get in the way of God working in our life, but when we are weak and helpless, we must rely on God’s strength alone. That is why Paul says he delights in difficulty, persecution, and hardship—because it’s in those moments that God is able to be his strength and joy. God forms character in times of difficulty. Paul was not a naturally gifted speaker or writer, and yet God worked mightily within his weakness to produce powerful speeches and letters that are part of Scripture. God’s strength worked through Paul’s weakness to accomplish things Paul couldn’t do on his own. This perspective changes how we live. It’s in moments of anxiety, weakness, or difficulty, that God desires to be our strength. It’s in times of persecution and hardship that God is doing some of His deepest work within our lives. If we are in relationship with Him and depending on His strength, then He will be with us in times of weakness. He promises to be our strength in difficulty.