The man who popularized the strange concept of strong weakness also wrote sixty-six percent of the New Testament. What was even more interesting was that he was following up on a conversation that he and God were having. He had prayed for help with a problem, and which of us does not know about that? But instead of the help he wanted, God assured him of divine grace. What?
Paul must have responded like us. “But God, help is what I need at this time, not grace.” Perhaps if he was like us, he would have declared a fast and a night vigil to try and twist God’s hands. The Bible does not tell us. What the bible does say is God’s response to whatever petition he was bringing. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 
I can hear many of you, always concerned for what is in it for us, asking God, “Is it grace we shall eat?” But not Paul. He quickly agreed with God. How often do you and I agree with God? Is it immediately like the Apostle Paul or after many days of fasting and praying? We finally give up, exhausted from our spiritual exercise. Our attitude is one of resignation rather than agreement.
Paul instantly agreed with God. Little wonder God gave him the mandate to write most of the New Testament. Through his many letters, Paul is blessing the body of Christ even now. He summarized the point God was making about strong weakness. Keep in mind that we are trying to become mature Christians here. Those who like Paul, accept, and even embrace negative situations as positive problems.
We Must Embrace Strong Weakness
What about you? How about me? Will we become mature believers, even if only slowly? Can we agree with God when He gives us something we did not ask for? Particularly when that means He denies us something we prayed for. Becoming mature as believers is how we can impact our generation and future generations. Paul did so well in that area because he was more God-centered than self-centered.
When we are self-centered and self-willed, we cannot enjoy the Christian walk. The Bible asks a rhetorical question in Amos 3.3. “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” Many Christians know that but assume it means God must agree with us, especially when we are prayer warriors. Sadly, it does not mean that at all. What it does mean is what the Apostle Paul understood. It means we must agree with God, even if we have to accept the concept of strong weakness.
If God says it is only in our weakness that His strength shines bright, who are we to argue? Who gave us the power to try and pray God into a corner from where we think we can control Him? He is God, for crying out loud! When we fail to accept God’s verdict on our strong weakness, we claim to be wiser than God. Continue on that line and see how it will work out for you!
Quickly Agree With God
You will find that things are not working out too well for you if continue to disagree with God. When He says His strength is made perfect in weakness is not the time for prayer and fasting. It is the time to say, “You are God,” and thank Him for being such a perfect father to you. After all, He alone knows the end from the beginning.
He is the only one who can give you a strong weakness. You cannot make yourself strong, in any case. So, why not choose to lean on the Almighty God? Today, you can make up your mind that you will not pretend to be wiser than God. You will stop insisting on your way regardless of the situation, positive or negative.
If what He tells you sounds negative, accept it because He will work it out for your good. And even if He chooses not to, He is still God. Agreeing with God is the pathway to Christian maturity. And only mature Christians go all the way home to heaven. Others fall by the wayside. Do not let wayside Christianity be your portion.
Maranatha!
