What about a Christian's Weakness?

There's weakness, and then there's weakness. It depends on which kind you're talking about.



Christian women are noted as the weaker vessel. (1 Peter 3:7). GotQuestions explains in this excerpt:
This is not a popular idea among many women or even many men. However, the Scripture tells us that the woman was deceived (1 Timothy 2:14), she is subject to her husband (1 Peter 3:1) and that she is a “weaker” vessel. That women are usually physically weaker is undeniable, but the implication of the fall is that by virtue of her being deceived by Satan, women may also sometimes be weaker in other ways. That definitely does not mean she is less valuable (Ephesians 1:6) or that she does not have equal access to grace (Galatians 3:28). 
As for Christian weakness in general, we’re all weak, we are supposed to be. Paul said that Jesus replied to him,

'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

There's weak because we're laden with sin that makes us weak. That is one reason we strive not to sin. We pick up our cross daily and slay it. When we do sin, it's important to address it by repenting to Jesus and making things right with theother person, if you had involved another person in your sin. Sin is one reason we become weak and ineffective.

There's weak because we understand our depravity and seek the Spirit's strength. There's weak when we see how powerful Jesus is, and understand our own powerlessness in the face of His omnipotence. There's physically weak, due to illness temporary or permanent.

In some cases, God gives us weakness. He gave to Paul a "thorn in the side" both to keep Paul humble, and to demonstrate that all we need is His grace (not our own strength). (2 Corinthians 12:7)

In America where I'm from, strength is valued. Strength, bravado, and self-sufficiency are nationally recognized attributes, idols, even. In addition, American Feminism has also contributed to a national consciousness that we woman are supposed to have it all together and be capable of all things at all times. "I can bring home the bacon AND fry it up in a pan" and so on.

The attributes of weakness, meekness, and humility aren't as valued as they are in other nations. But it's OK to be weak. It's good. Why?

It's God who strengthens us. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13).

Wouldn't you rather have His strength than your own strength, anyway? :)

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Further Reading

Here are a few resources on our weakness.

Desiring God: Don't Waste Your Weakness

The End Time: Are you a weak woman, or are you a weak woman?

Grace To You blog post: God's Sufficient Grace

Ligonier Devotional: Power in Weakness


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