Paul brings out his own testimony and principle about weakness and power that will help us to understand.  In 2 Corinthians 12:5-10 it says, “5. On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.  6. For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me. 7. Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8. Concerning this I implored Adonai three times that it might leave me. 9. And He has said to me, “My grace [power and enablement] is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Messiah may dwell in me. 10. Therefore I am well content [joy and peace] with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Messiah’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

The word weak in this passage has the Greek meaning just as you would think weak, want of strength, no power.  Paul is making it clear that he knows he does not have the power within his own capabilities; and to be sure it stays that way, his infirmity is left to him.  What he does boast in is the Spirit of Power from above giving him the grace [power and enablement to fulfill Yah’s will] he needs to do what he is called to do.  At the end of verse 10 Paul says, “…for when I am weak, then I am strong.” The word strong has a meaning of power. When we can humble ourselves and recognize that we are nothing and can do nothing for the kingdom apart from our Creator, then the true Spirit of Power can trust to fill us and use us.

2 Corinthians 13:3-4 affirms this, “3. since you are seeking for proof of the Messiah who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty [power and strength] in you. 4. For indeed He was crucified because of weakness [because of our lack of strength and power to redeem ourselves, Yeshua was crucified], yet He lives because of the power of Elohim. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of Elohim directed toward you.”

These are some powerful promises for us to fully receive today as we allow the Spirit of Proper Power to fill us to overflowing!!

Have a blessed and shalom filled day!!

Tammy McLendon

Courtesy of
River of Life Tabernacle
Tammy McLendon
Great peace have they who love Your law. Psalm 119:165a