8 Three times I begged the Lord to make this suffering go away. 9 But he replied, “My gift of undeserved grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am.
Reflection
I have never been a physically strong person. I’m between average and tall and a bit lanky and a bit clumsy. (Well, more than “a bit”).
I joke that I have spaghetti arms because they are long and spindly and would probably snap right off if I tried to pick up something too heavy. In the back of my mind, I also joke that my adrenaline better not let me down someday if I ever need that superhero-mom-strength.
As easy as it is to joke about how little my arms are capable of… they are also capable of carrying a sleeping child. They are capable of giving really good hugs. They are capable of playing “tug” with my dog’s favorite toy. They are capable of holding a door open for a stranger.
“My power is strongest when you are weak.”
When I feel at my lowest, when I feel completely unworthy and incapable, a small reminder is all it takes. It’s usually something small, a nudge from a very good dog, an opportunity to hold the door open for a stranger, or the pitter-patter of small feet with the cooing of a tiny voice asking for cuddles, that pulls me up and reminds me I am strong. I may be tired, but I am still capable of doing good things.
by Ashley Bowler-Polhemus
For Pondering and Prayer
When have you felt lost or weak, but then a small sign reminded you that you may be stronger than you realize?
How have you experienced a God wink in the past that reminded you of God’s unending grace even when you had a thorn in your side?
Lord, thank You for meeting me in my weakness and showing me that Your grace is enough. When I feel tired or unworthy, remind me that Your strength shines brightest in those moments. Help me notice the small signs of Your love—the gentle nudges, the quiet kindnesses, the everyday reminders that You are near. Teach me to lean on Your power, not my own, and to see every weakness as an opportunity for Your glory to shine through. Amen
