Learning to Minister and Lead from Our Weakness
Learning to Minister and Lead from Our Weakness
The stream of Kingdom Christianity we are a part of has emphasized the power of ministering and living from our strengths. We’ve championed overcoming prayer, celebrated breakthrough, and declared victory over sin. Very often, the highlight of our gatherings is when God “shows up” with power and people are healed and delivered. I love that our movement is built on this Third Day reality, and I believe this is what makes the Gospel is truly “Good News”—seeing heaven come to earth in our day.
Yet, I believe we are entering a season where God wants to teach us something equally profound and legitimate: how to minister and lead from our weakness. This may feel counterintuitive, especially when we’re so accustomed to focusing on strength and victory. But as we dive into the Scriptures and the life of Christ, we discover that ministering from weakness is not only a legitimate biblical posture—it’s often the very way God accomplishes His greatest work.
Biblical Foundations for Ministering from Weakness
The Apostle Paul offers one of the clearest biblical foundations for this idea. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul shares a powerful insight from his own life: “But [the Lord] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”
Let’s slow this passage down to really grasp the magnitude of what’s being said here. Paul, the Super-Apostle (as he ironically refers to himself in 2 Corinthians 11:5), had a resume like no other: He was educated at the top theological seminary of his day, his life was marked by supernatural breakthroughs, open visions, trips to heaven, miraculous deliverances, crazy exorcisms, and unparalleled success in planting churches and winning souls. He also wrote letters and epistles that were so impactful they later became part of the Bible (How’s that for a life of overcoming).
Yet, here’s the kicker—Paul says he discovered that there’s an aspect of God’s grace and power that doesn’t come from playing out of any of these achievements. Instead, he says, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses.”
Can we back the bus up? Why would Paul say this? Isn’t this counter-gospel? Why would Paul of all people boast about his weaknesses?
The Irony of Victory Through Weakness
Paul answers this with a powerful truth: “… so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh: Here’s what Paul’s getting at. Just before this passage, Paul talks about a “thorn in the flesh”(12:7)—a persistent issue that he repeatedly begged God to remove.
Over the years, many Bible teachers and theologians have attempted to define what Paul’s Thorn of the Flesh was. Some say it was a persistent sin issue, others suggest it was a sickness, some say it was a demonic attack, and others suggest it was the hardships that came from ministry.
I want to suggest to you that often our attempts at defining the thorn are actually our way of defending a theological belief, which is threatened by this verse. For example, for people that believe it is God’s will to heal always, the idea that Paul had a physical ailment that God didn’t heal, threatens their whole theological belief system.
I am relieved that Paul doesn’t define what his thorn in the flesh actually is because it allows all sorts of things to be inserted underneath it, from unanswered prayers for physical health, lack of financial breakthrough, or persistent mental health challenges to name but a few. Whatever Paul’s issue was, it was so problematic and troubling for him that he prayed repeatedly for God to fix it.
And the good news is that God answered Paul’s prayer, BUT the answer that came was unexpected, “No!” Paul explains how God put it to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
WTH??? Why would a loving God do this to his top leader? Surely, had God answered Paul’ prayer it would have showcased the power of the Gospel in ways that would have won many to Christ. Paul, though discovers a more profound reason why God said “NO.” God promised to meet him with a special grace—and this grace would provide a divine strength that would shine brightest in his weakest moments.
Christ's Approach to Weakness
Jesus Himself modelled this posture of ministering from weakness. Although He possessed all power and authority, which He used in many instances to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons, His greatest victory came when He chose to embrace human frailty and vulnerability in the cross. In what appeared to be the moment of greatest weakness and defeat, Christ won the ultimate victory over sin and death.
Jesus’ path to victory was not through displays of earthly power but through humility, submission, and self-sacrifice. In this He teaches us that true power is often hidden in what the world sees as weakness.
The Irony of Victory Through Weakness
The irony of the Christian life is that victory often comes through what appears to be defeat or weakness. While, the cross is the most profound example, this principle is echoed throughout Scripture. Moses time in the wilderness was his schooling for leading the people of Israel out of slavery. Joseph’s years in prison prepared him to save a nation. David’s time fleeing from Saul equipped him to be a king after God’s own heart.
When we humbly embrace and accept our weakness and frailty, we acknowledge the limitations of our ability, and it is this posture which opens the door to God’s grace and power in surprising ways.
The Irony of Strength in Weakness
Paul’s discovery of this grace flips everything we know about strength on its head. In the world’s eyes, strength is about power, control, and never showing vulnerability. But in God’s kingdom, true strength is found in recognizing our weaknesses because that’s when we lean fully on Him or lean into Him. Paul, in turn, discovered through this place of vulnerability that God afforded him a strength that wasn’t his own—Christ’s strength, shining through his admitted weakness.
A number of years ago, I had a friend who was struggling with a persistent issue in his life that no amount of prayer or effort could shake, despite his earnest desire to walk in freedom. Periodically, he would struggle with this issue. Each time he fell, he confessed his sin and determined to try harder.
The shift for him happened when I suggested he try another approach. Instead of trying to beat this sin in his own strength, I encouraged him to see the temptation not as an enemy needing to be defeated, but as a messenger trying to communicate something to him. I invited him to get curious about what the temptation was signalling. And if he discovered something, I suggested that he invite the Lord to meet him in that place of weakness.
My friend was skeptical, but he agreed to try it. A week later, we met up, and I asked him how the experiment went. He told me that at first, it was hard to see the temptation as a messenger and not the enemy, but he decided to dignify the experience. To his surprise, he discovered that the temptation was signalling something deeper—it was letting him know he was feeling afraid. When he invited the Lord into that place of fear, something incredible happened. He found that the Lord met him in a profound way, and for the first time in months, he didn’t succumb to that temptation.
We met up a few weeks later, and my friend shared that although he had experienced a slip-up, there was a marked improvement in his life. He shared with me that he no longer saw this weakness as a monster to be killed, but an opportunity to lean into his weakness and discover God grace, strength and compassion in a new way.
Paul’s words challenge us to see our weaknesses not as liabilities but as opportunities for God’s strength to be revealed. In acknowledging our limitations, we create space for God’s grace to work in and through us in ways that our own abilities never could.
Authentic Connection with Others
When we openly acknowledge our weaknesses, struggles, and vulnerabilities, we create a space for authentic connection. In a world that often feels isolated and disconnected, especially in the face of increasing social media pressures to present a perfect life, this authenticity resonates deeply. People are drawn to communities where they can be real and where they feel safe to share their own struggles.
This approach can attract individuals who are searching for genuine relationships and a community that accepts them as they are. It opens doors for outreach to those who might feel alienated by traditional messages of constant victory and strength, offering them a place where their brokenness is met with compassion and understanding.
Humility in the Present Generation
Interestingly, this posture of humility and weakness resonates strongly with the present generation. We live in a time when many people, especially younger generations, are increasingly disillusioned with traditional displays of power, dominance, and strength. Instead, there is a growing appeal for authenticity, vulnerability, and humility.
This generation values leaders and communities that are honest about their struggles and willing to admit their weaknesses. They are drawn to spaces where they can be real, where humility is practiced, and where there is a genuine commitment to serving others rather than seeking personal gain or status.
By embracing and ministering from a place of weakness, our church can connect more deeply with this generation’s longing for authenticity and humility. This approach not only aligns with biblical teachings but also meets the cultural moment we find ourselves in—a moment that favours humility over pride, and vulnerability over pretence.
Living Out of This Place of Weakness
So, what might it look like for us to live and minister from this place of weakness?
A Call to Embrace the Journey
As we enter this new season, I want to encourage us all to embrace the journey of ministering and leading from our weakness. This isn’t about abandoning the pursuit of victory or breakthrough—it’s about recognizing that God often leads us through the valleys of weakness to bring about His greatest triumphs.
Let’s lean into this season with faith, trusting that as we acknowledge our weaknesses, God’s grace will be more than sufficient. Let’s allow Him to teach us how to minister from this place, knowing that in our weakness, His power is made perfect.
If you find yourself in a place of weakness today, know that you are not alone. God is with you, and He is at work in your life in ways you may not yet see. Let’s walk this journey together, supporting one another as we learn to live out this profound and transformative truth.
The stream of Kingdom Christianity we are a part of has emphasized the power of ministering and living from our strengths. We’ve championed overcoming prayer, celebrated breakthrough, and declared victory over sin. Very often, the highlight of our gatherings is when God “shows up” with power and people are healed and delivered. I love that our movement is built on this Third Day reality, and I believe this is what makes the Gospel is truly “Good News”—seeing heaven come to earth in our day.
Yet, I believe we are entering a season where God wants to teach us something equally profound and legitimate: how to minister and lead from our weakness. This may feel counterintuitive, especially when we’re so accustomed to focusing on strength and victory. But as we dive into the Scriptures and the life of Christ, we discover that ministering from weakness is not only a legitimate biblical posture—it’s often the very way God accomplishes His greatest work.
Biblical Foundations for Ministering from Weakness
The Apostle Paul offers one of the clearest biblical foundations for this idea. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul shares a powerful insight from his own life: “But [the Lord] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”
Let’s slow this passage down to really grasp the magnitude of what’s being said here. Paul, the Super-Apostle (as he ironically refers to himself in 2 Corinthians 11:5), had a resume like no other: He was educated at the top theological seminary of his day, his life was marked by supernatural breakthroughs, open visions, trips to heaven, miraculous deliverances, crazy exorcisms, and unparalleled success in planting churches and winning souls. He also wrote letters and epistles that were so impactful they later became part of the Bible (How’s that for a life of overcoming).
Yet, here’s the kicker—Paul says he discovered that there’s an aspect of God’s grace and power that doesn’t come from playing out of any of these achievements. Instead, he says, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses.”
Can we back the bus up? Why would Paul say this? Isn’t this counter-gospel? Why would Paul of all people boast about his weaknesses?
The Irony of Victory Through Weakness
Paul answers this with a powerful truth: “… so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh: Here’s what Paul’s getting at. Just before this passage, Paul talks about a “thorn in the flesh”(12:7)—a persistent issue that he repeatedly begged God to remove.
Over the years, many Bible teachers and theologians have attempted to define what Paul’s Thorn of the Flesh was. Some say it was a persistent sin issue, others suggest it was a sickness, some say it was a demonic attack, and others suggest it was the hardships that came from ministry.
I want to suggest to you that often our attempts at defining the thorn are actually our way of defending a theological belief, which is threatened by this verse. For example, for people that believe it is God’s will to heal always, the idea that Paul had a physical ailment that God didn’t heal, threatens their whole theological belief system.
I am relieved that Paul doesn’t define what his thorn in the flesh actually is because it allows all sorts of things to be inserted underneath it, from unanswered prayers for physical health, lack of financial breakthrough, or persistent mental health challenges to name but a few. Whatever Paul’s issue was, it was so problematic and troubling for him that he prayed repeatedly for God to fix it.
And the good news is that God answered Paul’s prayer, BUT the answer that came was unexpected, “No!” Paul explains how God put it to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
WTH??? Why would a loving God do this to his top leader? Surely, had God answered Paul’ prayer it would have showcased the power of the Gospel in ways that would have won many to Christ. Paul, though discovers a more profound reason why God said “NO.” God promised to meet him with a special grace—and this grace would provide a divine strength that would shine brightest in his weakest moments.
Christ's Approach to Weakness
Jesus Himself modelled this posture of ministering from weakness. Although He possessed all power and authority, which He used in many instances to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons, His greatest victory came when He chose to embrace human frailty and vulnerability in the cross. In what appeared to be the moment of greatest weakness and defeat, Christ won the ultimate victory over sin and death.
Jesus’ path to victory was not through displays of earthly power but through humility, submission, and self-sacrifice. In this He teaches us that true power is often hidden in what the world sees as weakness.
The Irony of Victory Through Weakness
The irony of the Christian life is that victory often comes through what appears to be defeat or weakness. While, the cross is the most profound example, this principle is echoed throughout Scripture. Moses time in the wilderness was his schooling for leading the people of Israel out of slavery. Joseph’s years in prison prepared him to save a nation. David’s time fleeing from Saul equipped him to be a king after God’s own heart.
When we humbly embrace and accept our weakness and frailty, we acknowledge the limitations of our ability, and it is this posture which opens the door to God’s grace and power in surprising ways.
The Irony of Strength in Weakness
Paul’s discovery of this grace flips everything we know about strength on its head. In the world’s eyes, strength is about power, control, and never showing vulnerability. But in God’s kingdom, true strength is found in recognizing our weaknesses because that’s when we lean fully on Him or lean into Him. Paul, in turn, discovered through this place of vulnerability that God afforded him a strength that wasn’t his own—Christ’s strength, shining through his admitted weakness.
A number of years ago, I had a friend who was struggling with a persistent issue in his life that no amount of prayer or effort could shake, despite his earnest desire to walk in freedom. Periodically, he would struggle with this issue. Each time he fell, he confessed his sin and determined to try harder.
The shift for him happened when I suggested he try another approach. Instead of trying to beat this sin in his own strength, I encouraged him to see the temptation not as an enemy needing to be defeated, but as a messenger trying to communicate something to him. I invited him to get curious about what the temptation was signalling. And if he discovered something, I suggested that he invite the Lord to meet him in that place of weakness.
My friend was skeptical, but he agreed to try it. A week later, we met up, and I asked him how the experiment went. He told me that at first, it was hard to see the temptation as a messenger and not the enemy, but he decided to dignify the experience. To his surprise, he discovered that the temptation was signalling something deeper—it was letting him know he was feeling afraid. When he invited the Lord into that place of fear, something incredible happened. He found that the Lord met him in a profound way, and for the first time in months, he didn’t succumb to that temptation.
We met up a few weeks later, and my friend shared that although he had experienced a slip-up, there was a marked improvement in his life. He shared with me that he no longer saw this weakness as a monster to be killed, but an opportunity to lean into his weakness and discover God grace, strength and compassion in a new way.
Paul’s words challenge us to see our weaknesses not as liabilities but as opportunities for God’s strength to be revealed. In acknowledging our limitations, we create space for God’s grace to work in and through us in ways that our own abilities never could.
Authentic Connection with Others
When we openly acknowledge our weaknesses, struggles, and vulnerabilities, we create a space for authentic connection. In a world that often feels isolated and disconnected, especially in the face of increasing social media pressures to present a perfect life, this authenticity resonates deeply. People are drawn to communities where they can be real and where they feel safe to share their own struggles.
This approach can attract individuals who are searching for genuine relationships and a community that accepts them as they are. It opens doors for outreach to those who might feel alienated by traditional messages of constant victory and strength, offering them a place where their brokenness is met with compassion and understanding.
Humility in the Present Generation
Interestingly, this posture of humility and weakness resonates strongly with the present generation. We live in a time when many people, especially younger generations, are increasingly disillusioned with traditional displays of power, dominance, and strength. Instead, there is a growing appeal for authenticity, vulnerability, and humility.
This generation values leaders and communities that are honest about their struggles and willing to admit their weaknesses. They are drawn to spaces where they can be real, where humility is practiced, and where there is a genuine commitment to serving others rather than seeking personal gain or status.
By embracing and ministering from a place of weakness, our church can connect more deeply with this generation’s longing for authenticity and humility. This approach not only aligns with biblical teachings but also meets the cultural moment we find ourselves in—a moment that favours humility over pride, and vulnerability over pretence.
Living Out of This Place of Weakness
So, what might it look like for us to live and minister from this place of weakness?
- Embrace Vulnerability: Instead of hiding our struggles or pretending we have it all together, we can be honest about our weaknesses. This doesn’t mean glorifying our failings, but it does mean acknowledging that we need God’s help—and that’s okay. Vulnerability can be a powerful way to connect with others and show that our faith is real and rooted in God’s grace.
- Rely on God’s Strength: When we minister from weakness, we are continually reminded that we cannot do it all on our own. This drives us to prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and depending on His power to accomplish what we cannot. It also frees us from the pressure of having to be strong all the time.
- Support One Another: In a community that values strength, admitting weakness can be difficult. But as we create a culture where it’s safe to share our struggles, we can support one another in deeper, more meaningful ways. This kind of authentic community reflects the heart of Christ and allows God’s love to flow more freely among us.
- Trust in God’s Timing: Ministering from weakness often involves waiting and trusting that God is at work even when we don’t see immediate results. It’s about believing that God’s power is being perfected in our situation, even when things seem to be falling apart.
A Call to Embrace the Journey
As we enter this new season, I want to encourage us all to embrace the journey of ministering and leading from our weakness. This isn’t about abandoning the pursuit of victory or breakthrough—it’s about recognizing that God often leads us through the valleys of weakness to bring about His greatest triumphs.
Let’s lean into this season with faith, trusting that as we acknowledge our weaknesses, God’s grace will be more than sufficient. Let’s allow Him to teach us how to minister from this place, knowing that in our weakness, His power is made perfect.
If you find yourself in a place of weakness today, know that you are not alone. God is with you, and He is at work in your life in ways you may not yet see. Let’s walk this journey together, supporting one another as we learn to live out this profound and transformative truth.
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