In 2 Corinthians 12:10 Paul writes, “I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment–when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ–I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s Power.”

I have hated my weaknesses throughout all of my life. When I was little it was the things I couldn’t do like my dad and several of my brothers. Not one of them seemed to be like me, I was the anomaly. By high school I was given singing, leadership and a drive for good grades which gave me somethings to hang onto. I also had this burning desire to please God (now I wonder if that was because I couldn’t please dad, so I’d try to please God). By college my sexual abuse had ended and my secrets began to be fueled by things I heard and experienced while there. Life only added to this as I got beyond college.

Fast forward many years to today and read again the bolded print in the scripture above–For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s Power. The weaknesses of today–desires for porn to gratify fleshly cravings, the pride I have that wants to keep it a secret still–are a portal to God’s Power when I’m not defeated by my weakness but instead–delighted. What a paradox! I see this truth everyday when working with others and their struggles/weaknesses. I confess and surrender and what happens–God’s Power shows up! What an AMAZING GOD!