When we are dealing with a physical ailment or disability, emotional or mental struggles, financial hardship, relationship challenges, or even career and vocational challenges it can be difficult to maintain our strength and independence. This phrase reminds us that even in our weakness, we can trust in God’s. All you need do is to draw stregnth from scriptures.
His strength is made perfect in our weakness” is a biblical phrase found in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that reminds us that through our struggles, God’s grace and strength shines through to sustain us. It encourages us to trust in Him and to embrace our weaknesses as opportunities for growth.
In this blog, we will take a laser look at this as well as some related bible verses and finally draw out some lessons from this scripture.
His Strength Is Made Perfect in Our Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)
“His strength is made perfect in our weakness” is a quote from the Bible, specifically from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 12, verse 9. Here are a few different translations of this verse:
- New International Version: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” NIV
- English Standard Version: “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” ESV
- New King James Version: “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” NKJV
- New Living Translation: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.'” NLT
- King James Version: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” KJV
Related Verses
The Bible verse that is most closely related to the phrase “His strength is made perfect in our weakness” is 2 Corinthians 12:9, which states:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (NIV)
This verse is part of a larger passage in which the Apostle Paul is discussing the revelation he received from God about the “thorn in his flesh.” Paul begged God three times to take this thorn away, but God replied with this verse, which Paul understood as God saying that his grace was enough to sustain him and that his power was made perfect in the very weakness he was experiencing.
Other related verses in the Bible that discuss the idea of God’s strength being made perfect in our weakness include:
- Isaiah 40:29 – He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
- Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 – To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
- Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through him who gives me strength.
Lessons
What can we learn from the bible phrase “his strength is made perfect in our weakness”
The Bible phrase “His strength is made perfect in our weakness” can teach us several valuable lessons. Some possible interpretations of this verse and its larger context in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 include:
- We can trust in God’s grace: The verse starts with God telling Paul that “My grace is sufficient for you.” This reminds us that when we are weak and struggling, God’s grace is always available to sustain us and help us through.
- God’s power shines through our weaknesses: Paul was initially troubled by his “thorn in the flesh,” but God reassured him that his power is made perfect in weakness. This means that when we are weak, we are more likely to rely on God and His strength, in turn making us stronger in faith.
- We don’t have to be ashamed of our weaknesses: In the verse, Paul states that he will “boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” Instead of hiding our weaknesses and trying to appear perfect, we can be open and honest about them and trust in God’s strength to sustain us.
- Weakness can bring us closer to God: When we are weak, we are more likely to turn to God for help, and this can help us grow closer to Him.
- We should delight in difficulties: Paul says that he delights in “weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties” as they bring out the best in us. Our difficult moments are the ones that makes us stronger and closer to God, so we should have a positive outlook and trust in his plan.
- Weakness can make us stronger: The last sentence of the verse, “For when I am weak, then I am strong,” which highlights that in our weaknesses, we become stronger in faith and spirit.
Conclusion
When we understand this principle, we can approach any challenge with a new perspective of hope and strength, knowing that even in our weakness, God’s strength is made perfect. Let us hold on to this hope, be open to the possibilities and opportunities that come with our limitations and trust that with God, we can overcome any obstacle.