When weakness is strength
Tapping into God’s strength, part 4 of 4
Pastor Vince DiPaola
“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10b, NIV)
I. The problem of personal weakness
“But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.” (2 Corinthians 12:7b-8, NLT)
1. Weaknesses often hit us where we need to grow most
2. Weaknesses are dilemmas we just can’t solve alone
3. Weaknesses drive us to seek some source of strength
II. The purpose of personal weakness
“But He said to me,‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a, NIV)
“Each time He said, ‘My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a, NLT)
Our weaknesses help us discover a new facet of God’s strength and learn new ways to depend on Him.
III. The power of god in our weakness
“So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecution, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9b-10, NLT)
Discovering And Depending On God’s Strength (In Your Weakness)
1. Discovery: Make the great hope exchange
“But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, NLT)
“Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10, NLT)
2. Dependence: Rest in God’s ultimate plan
“ In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us… We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves Him. They are the ones God has chosen for His purpose.” (Romans 8:26a,28, CEV)
“See, God has come to save me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2, NLT)