One of the more surprising places to see the omnipotence of God is when it is displayed in the lives of His children. This is not to say that we are powerful or can in any way demonstrate even a fraction of God’s omnipotence. On the contrary, we are weak and helpless in and of ourselves. But it is precisely when we recognize this inherent weakness of our own that we can experience the omnipotent power of God mightily displayed in our lives.

The Apostle Paul learned the value of recognizing his own weakness through a “thorn in the flesh” that afflicted him. In II Corinthians Chapter 12, Paul discusses this affliction with the believers in the church at Corinth. He began by recounting for the Corinthian believers “how that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (verse 4).

What a glorious experience! Yet, as Paul proceeded to point out to the listening believers, “of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities” (verse 5). Paul recognized that the affliction he called a thorn in the flesh was given to him for a very specific reason: “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, . . . lest I should be exalted above measure” (verse 7).

Sometimes the Lord gives His children an affliction to keep them humble, to keep them dependent upon His strength, and to keep them looking to Him for daily grace. Such was the case with the Apostle Paul. Paul did not tell us the specific nature of his affliction. Bible scholars have supposed due to a few brief hints in other passages that it was some chronic physical condition or a weakness in his eyesight. But this “thorn in the flesh” may be very different for each of us.

Paul said of his own affliction, “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me” (verse 8). Sometimes God is pleased to show His power by answering our prayers in the way that we desire. But at other times, God is equally pleased to show His power by not answering our prayers according to our requests.

The Lord gave His servant these words of assurance, words that continue to be an encouragement to Christians in many kinds of distress. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul responded with these words of victory, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (verse 9).

Let’s take a further look at God’s assurance given to Paul in II Corinthians 12:9.

“My grace is sufficient for thee”

God’s all-sufficient grace is enough to meet any need. His grace is greater than sin. His grace is greater than sickness. His grace is greater than death itself. God’s grace satisfies. His grace empowers. God’s grace keeps, sustains, and encourages us.

Grace is an unmerited favor freely bestowed upon an undeserving recipient. God’s grace was poured out upon Paul—but not because of Paul’s faithfulness or obedience. God poured out His grace upon Paul because of God’s own promise. And God’s grace was sufficient for Paul’s every need.

“For my strength is made perfect in weakness”

God’s omnipotence is seen in man’s weakness. When we recognize our weakness, then we can receive and appreciate Christ’s strength. The father of the demon-possessed boy brought his son to Jesus. However, when Jesus spoke of believing, the father then cried out, “Help thou mine unbelief” (Mark 9:24). At that point, Jesus healed the boy.

Another time, a woman—who had endured an infirmity for twelve years and no solution from doctors—reached out and touched the border of Christ’s garment. Instantly, she was made whole (see Luke 8:43–45). Again, when a leper fell before Jesus and professed, “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean,” Jesus responded, “I will: Be thou clean” (Luke 5:12–13). The man was immediately made clean of his leprosy.

Like these weak and trembling souls, we also must abandon all other hope, all other solutions, all other supports and cling to Christ alone. As long as we hope to solve our problems by our own genius, we will see no answers. But when we abandon all false hopes and cling to Christ alone, we will not be disappointed.

When Peter, sinking into the waves and sea, cried out, “Lord, save me,” then Jesus stretched out His hand and caught Peter from the waves and they entered the ship together (see Matthew 14:30–32).

Christ’s strength is seen in our weakest moments. His omnipotent power can be fully displayed when we fully trust Him and Him alone for our deliverance and our strength. The words of the prophet Isaiah testify of God’s unchanging promise to His children. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).

Paul had responded confidently to God’s promise with these words:

“Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities.”

Similarly, how might we respond confidently to God’s promise to us? What is your glory? Do you boast to friends and family members of personal accomplishments? Are you frequently telling stories about yourself?

How can or do you “glory” in your infirmities? Too often, we glory in our strengths. We complain and grumble about our infirmities. Instead, we should increasingly learn to glory in our weaknesses and give our Lord Jesus honor and glory! The Lord is faithful to display His strength in the midst of our weakness when we repent and rely on Him.

“That the power of Christ may rest upon me”

Paul desired greatly to be blessed with Christ’s resurrection power. Do you desire to experience the joy and blessing of the power of Christ? That power comes only through weakness! Thus, humbly thank God for your weaknesses. Thank Him for your infirmities, knowing the weaker you are, the more His power can be seen in you. Rest in the omnipotence of the Almighty. Then you can confidently testify with the Apostle Paul that “when I am weak, then am I strong” (II Corinthians 12:10).