Weak

Weak

Each time [the Lord] 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. . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong.

OUR FRIEND ELI gave his then-fiancée, Ashley, an adorable boxer puppy, Jax, as a birthday present while they were engaged. Through the first several years of their marriage and birth of two of their children, Jax was a steady presence in their lives.

One day, Jax started limping. Concerned, they took him in to the veterinarian for a checkup. Sadly, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a fast-moving, bone-eating tumor that was untreatable.

Our friends were devastated. “He’s only been limping for a few days,” they protested. “How could this have happened?”

The veterinarian explained that dogs are, by nature, pack animals. Whenever possible, they avoid showing signs of weakness until they can’t avoid doing so. By then, it’s often too late.

Although people don’t have the same pack tendencies that dogs do, we often have the same unwillingness to show our weaknesses to others. After all, social media feeds typically only showcase the highlight reels of our friends and acquaintances, rarely revealing those who are struggling with hidden pain, navigating tough financial or personal circumstances, or grieving secret losses.

Yet as Christians, we are reminded that revealing our weaknesses only serves to make us stronger. Admitting to areas of vulnerability gives us the chance to recognize how Christ is working in us. Humbled by our weaknesses, we know we could not do it alone—it’s only through the power of Jesus that we can carry on. Revealing our weaknesses to those we trust has an added benefit: when our struggles and sins are hidden, we wrestle with them alone—but when we allow them to see the light of day, they lose their power. As friends, we are stronger together.

Lord, thank you that we don’t need to be strong on our own—that your power is great enough to carry us. Help us to be willing to reveal our weaknesses to others and get the support we need. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: Who among your friends do you show your limp to? If you haven’t already done so, consider confiding a current challenge to a trusted friend.