Press the arrow to listen to Natalie Grant sing “Hope Endures” while reading a devotion about overcoming weaknesses.

Scripture
That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Observation
I just got done doing my morning exercises. I’ve developed a plan that works so well for me. It will sound weird, but between every piece of clothing I pick out to wear or iron I do a set of three exercises. Before I take my morning shower, I’ve done 150 push ups, sit ups and pull ups. I’m 48 and fighting middle age. It works for me.

At nearly the half century mark (yikes that is scary) I don’t try to promote my inabilities. I fought wearing glasses since 2002. Reality hit when I couldn’t see people coming down the hall at church. Now with glasses, I’m considering Laskik surgery.

Like all in the human condition, I want to appear strong and put make up over my weaknesses. Paul, however, surprised me this morning with his talk of taking pleasure in weakness. That is a new level of maturity I have yet to grow into. But I think I get his perspective. I take pleasure because my emptiness makes room for more of the fullness of Christ.

Application
The older I get the weaker my body becomes. And yet, I can take pleasure in my weaknesses because Christ’s power is at work in me. He did not just raise up from the dead, but he punched through the demonic realm and while the grave is empty, the throne at the Father’s right hand is not. Hallelujah.

Prayer
Father, today I squeeze my weaknesses tightly. Hold onto me. Amen.