Boast in Your Weaknesses

“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.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

In a heartwarming story titled “Jellybean the marathon-running dog aims to break new barrier,” it was reported that A Davis man and his Chihuahua are going the distance and even trying to make it in the record books for long-distance running in 2025. Jellybean, six years old and weighing nine pounds, was adopted by Andrew Owens in 2020 from the Bradshaw Animal Shelter. Owens said Jellybean stood up on her back legs when she saw him and the duo have been inseparable ever since. Owens had run with his other dogs in the past and one day he tried to see if Jellybean was interested. At first, she wasn’t, but as soon as Owens started to run away she reacted. And the rest, as they say, is history. The writer went on to say that because of jellybean’s short legs “Each finish line crossed is a testament to their strength, endurance, and hard work, something more and more people in Davis and across the community have started to notice.” Owens followed up saying, “I’ll have people come up to me and say, ‘you know, we never plan on doing a marathon but she inspires us, she inspires us to meet our own goals.’” Do you just love that or what? 

And, you know, when it comes to testaments of strength that inspire others, Paul came to understand the reason God chose to refrain from answering his prayer to be delivered from the “thorn in the flesh” that tormented him, saying “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” What might have seemed cruel was actually a blessing because it was the very thing that would keep Paul from becoming conceited—something that would undoubtedly cause Paul to depend on his own abilities and strength rather than the Lord’s and tempt him to take credit for the things God did through him. Paul was so thankful for this, in fact, that he declared, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” In this way, Paul knew God would get the glory rather than him and people would be inspired to seek the Lord because of it. 

So, be thankful for your weaknesses my friend, whatever they might be. And then boast in them! Your lack of personal strength will only serve as evidence of God’s strength and the power of Him working through you. After all, apart from Christ we can do nothing. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a good Father who doesn’t give his children all they ask for but all they need instead. Thank You that we can trust You to know what that is Lord. Help us to see our weaknesses as opportunities to let your strength be shown. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!