Paul vs the ‘super-apostles’ part 3: our true superpower
by Pastor Stephen Abraham
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But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:9a).
Now we come to the ultimate superpower Paul reveals as he engages the super-apostles at Corinth. But it’s not authority given by the extraordinary experience of being temporarily ‘caught up into Paradise’ of verses one to four (which many regard as Paul self-referencing his own conversion experience). No, it is far more unexpected than that amazing experience. It’s not supernatural insight, powers of miraculous healing or signs of great power. Paul’s superpower is – wait for it! – weakness! His prickly thorn in the flesh (verses seven to nine).
What? No! It can’t be – but it is. Paul, this most faithful servant of Christ, was not spared from suffering. Instead, God used that suffering to reveal a deeper truth: his strength shines brightest when we are at our weakest. We often think our usefulness to God depends on our strength, success, abilities or gifts. But Paul’s life tells a different story: God works most powerfully when we are broken, letting go of our need to be strong and allowing his grace to sustain us.
Instead of resenting brokenness, Paul embraces it: ‘Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me’ (2 Corinthians 12:9b). My sisters and brothers, this is our superpower. God’s strength in our brokenness.
So we don’t need to pretend we have it all together. In fact, I’d argue based on this that one of the most powerful things we can do in this lifetime is to let down our guard and share our vulnerabilities with those God brings into our lives. For when we are weak, then we are strong.
Loving Father, thank you for the gift of your grace. Help us not hide our weaknesses but bring them to you, trusting that your power is made perfect in them. Teach us to rely not on our strength but on yours, for you are our true superpower. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Having to retire due to a spinal injury that leaves him largely housebound with chronic pain, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic
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