Strength In Weaknesses

2 Corinthians 12:9

‘Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.’

I read this verse a few times, and what caught my attention is, '... IN weaknesses.’ Paul didn't mean through or about. He meant the affliction, calamity and dire circumstances he was already in.

Last October 2020, I was diagnosed with breast cancer Stage 3. I had many encouraging words and care shown to me and was surrounded by the church family faithfully praying and interceding for me. Like Paul, many times I begged God to take this affliction away. Chemotherapy, blood tests and many IV infusions ensued. My veins were subjected to steely sharp pokes each time I visited the hospital for toxic feedings. Then the debilitating effects took a toll. I was in weaknesses. To a point 'Jesus, please help me…’ was all I could manage in prayer.

When I couldn't say any more, I hummed this tune, 'Jesus loves me this I know... for the Bible tells me so... ' each time a needle went in me. My lovely nurses asked me about the tune as they tried to distract me. Oh, then I got to tell them about Jesus. Needle in.... needle out. Chemo 1, chemo 2... 3, 4, 5.... 12. This tune comforted me. The powerful drugs weakened me, but God’s love and strength sustained me. In illness, I became trusting and joyous in Christ. From day one of diagnosis to 6 months of chemo, his grace carried me. On some days, his overflowing power even worked through my debilitated state, which I will tell you about tomorrow.

Many friends and relatives, praised ‘my amazing strength and my positivity'. I would tell them, ‘Oh no, I am drained and there is no well in me to draw from, I am drugged and sickened with chemo side effects... I am on empty. It is all from Christ.’

For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Prayer – Lord, help us surrender our weak selves to you in all situations, let us be held by your living power and grace.