When I Am Weak...
I received a question regarding Productivity And The Gospel. Here it is:
How does believing that God is our strength make us more productive?
I appreciate that question very much. It’s one thing to post a theory, but how does it actually work? Thank you for the feedback.
The Apostle Paul had a similar concern:
“…a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me…Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me” (2 Corinthians 12:7-8 NKJV).
Paul was given a thorn in the flesh. From the miraculous events surrounding Paul, I assume he wasn't used to having God say no. But God wouldn’t take the thorn from him even after Paul pleaded three times.
Instead, God tells Paul this:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV).
I’m not sure what the thorn in Paul’s flesh was. Maybe it was that Paul was going blind. Maybe it was about friends who had betrayed him. Maybe it was his enemies who made his life hard.
But doesn’t it seem like Paul would be stronger if the thorn was removed? Wouldn’t he be able to get more done? Wouldn’t he be more productive?
God disagrees and says that His strength is made perfect in weakness.
Paul believes God and says this:
“Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NKJV emphasis mine).
Paul realizes that the weaker he is in himself, the stronger he is in God.
This is the Gospel in one sentence. It’s simply admitting that you can’t save yourself and that God is the only One who saves. I am weak and He is strong.
This truth shouldn’t be isolated to some spiritual idea. It’s everywhere. Believing that God is my strength makes my marriage more productive. Believing that God is my strength makes my parenting more productive. Believing that God is my strength makes my wealth building more productive.
If it’s true for me spiritually, then it’s true in every other area of life. The Gospel is either true everywhere or nowhere.
What do you think?
Joseph