[This reflection by Michael Goble was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 21/Jun/2026]
A few Sundays ago I read these words from our Father God in the Bible. “For [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness”. And Paul added, “Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.” (2 Corinthians 12 v9 AMP) What hit me most was that if I was open and boasted about my weaknesses would I then be vulnerable to others about my shortcomings?
Following this at church that morning, Helen shared in her message about those things she feared and had weaknesses about. She was brave enough to do that. This made me think back about how I had experienced shyness, lack of confidence and fear from my childhood. This arose because as a child I faced years of angry verbal abuse, belittling and bullying by a member of my family. This followed me through school, work and sadly for years even in a past church. I was really happy when we came to this church 18 years ago, and to this day I have found a welcome, love, acceptance and encouragement from many here.
Well I have done it now, I have “boasted” about my weaknesses. Do you struggle with weaknesses? As Paul went on to say in 2 Corinthians 12 v10 AMP, “So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecution , and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength]”.
Let us continue on in spite of our weaknesses and in future go on to serve our Saviour God in His strength and to bring glory to His name.
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Last Sunday’s reflection: How Does God Guide Us? by Helen Ruffhead
Contributed by Michael Goble; © Michael Goble