Embracing Weakness: Finding Strength in Christ's Grace
Summary
Life with Christ is often filled with surprises—both in what God asks of us and in the experiences we encounter as we seek to follow Him. Sometimes, what God calls us to do or endure can be shocking, even unsettling, especially when we are new to His Word or to walking in faith. Yet, for those who have truly put their trust in Christ—following Him freely, fully, and forever—there is a deep assurance: God is always for us, always with us, and always working for our good, even when we struggle to understand what that “good” really is.
The promise of Romans 8:28 is not a blanket guarantee for everyone, but a specific assurance for those who love God—those who desire not just His gifts, but His will, His presence, and His pleasure. God’s ultimate good for us is not always what we desire in the moment, but what we truly need: to be transformed into the likeness of Christ, to become the people He always intended us to be. This process is lifelong, and God is committed to finishing the work He began in us.
A key to navigating life’s confusing and painful circumstances is to ask: does this draw me closer to the Lord and make me more like Him, or does it pull me away? Often, what we think is “good” is simply what we desire, not what we need. Sometimes, God gives us gifts that don’t feel like gifts—pain, weakness, or even ongoing struggles—because they are necessary for our growth and character.
The life of the Apostle Paul is a powerful example. Despite being God’s chosen servant, Paul endured relentless hardship, persecution, and even a “thorn in the flesh”—a persistent, harassing messenger of Satan allowed by God to keep him humble and dependent. Paul pleaded for relief, but Christ’s answer was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul learned to embrace his weakness, insults, hardships, and difficulties, because in them, he experienced the sustaining power of Christ.
God’s love for us is so deep that He is more committed to our character than our comfort. He sometimes allows us to experience the pain we don’t want for the sake of the Christlike character we desperately need. In our weakness, we discover His strength. In our suffering, we find His sufficiency. And as we remain faithful, we become vessels of eternal impact, bridges between others and Christ. This is the life worth living—one of wholehearted devotion, even when it means embracing the very things we would never choose for ourselves.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Goodness Is Often Different Than Our Desires
God’s definition of “good” is not always aligned with our immediate desires or comfort. He is more interested in drawing us closer to Himself and shaping us into Christlike people than in simply granting us what we want. The true good is whatever moves us toward deeper trust, love, and likeness to Christ—even if it comes through pain or disappointment. [04:25]
- Weakness and Suffering Are Not Signs of God’s Absence
The presence of hardship, weakness, or even unanswered prayers does not mean God has abandoned us. In fact, as seen in Paul’s life, God may allow persistent struggles to keep us humble, dependent, and useful for His purposes. Our greatest spiritual strength often emerges from seasons of greatest weakness, when we rely most fully on God’s grace. [26:15]
- God Answers Our Deepest Prayers, Not Always Our Immediate Wants
Sometimes, we pray bold prayers for God to use us or make us more like Christ, not realizing the cost involved. God, in His wisdom, answers the deepest desires of our hearts—even if it means denying our immediate requests for comfort or relief. He is faithful to shape us for eternal impact, even when the process is painful or confusing. [33:12]
- Suffering for Doing Good Is Commendable and Purposeful
Enduring suffering for the sake of faithfulness is not wasted; it is seen and honored by God. When we suffer for doing good, we follow in the footsteps of Christ Himself. Such suffering refines our character, deepens our dependence on God, and becomes a testimony to others of His sustaining power and faithfulness. [35:40]
- Embracing Weakness Opens Us to God’s Power
When we accept our limitations and weaknesses, we make room for God’s power to work through us. Rather than resenting our struggles, we can learn to delight in them, knowing that Christ’s strength is most evident when we are most aware of our need. This paradox is the secret to spiritual resilience and lasting impact. [42:43]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - The Divide: Who Truly Trusts Christ?
[03:30] - God’s Promise: All Things for Good
[04:25] - Decoding Good and Bad in Our Lives
[08:32] - When God Doesn’t Seem to Listen
[11:21] - Why Hard Times Draw Us to God
[13:45] - Paul’s Example: God’s Number One Servant
[17:35] - The “Thorn in the Flesh” Explained
[20:50] - Paul’s List of Sufferings
[24:33] - God’s Answer: My Grace Is Sufficient
[26:15] - The Gift of Weakness and Pain
[29:40] - God’s Commitment to Our Character
[33:12] - Suffering for Doing Good
[35:40] - Learning to Rely on God’s Power
[38:10] - The Paradox of Strength in Weakness
[42:43] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide
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### Bible Reading
Romans 8:28-29 (ESV)
> And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (ESV)
> So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
1 Peter 2:19-21 (ESV)
> For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 8:28, who is the promise of “all things working together for good” specifically for? What does it mean to “love God” in this context? [03:30]
2. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, what was Paul’s “thorn in the flesh,” and what reason does he give for why God allowed it? [17:35]
3. How does Paul respond after God tells him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”? What does he say about his attitude toward weakness and hardship? [24:33]
4. In 1 Peter 2:19-21, what kind of suffering does Peter say is “commendable before God”? [33:12]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that God’s definition of “good” is often different from our desires. How does Romans 8:28-29 help us understand what God’s “good” really is for us? [04:25]
2. Why might God allow ongoing weakness, pain, or struggle in the life of someone who is faithfully following Him, as seen in Paul’s experience? [26:15]
3. The sermon describes suffering for doing good as “commendable and purposeful.” How does this challenge common ideas about what it means to be blessed by God? [33:12]
4. What does it mean that “God is more committed to our character than our comfort”? How does this perspective change the way we view difficult circumstances? [29:40]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon suggests that sometimes what we think is “good” is just what we desire, not what we need. Can you think of a recent situation where what you wanted was different from what you needed? How did you see God at work in that? [04:25]
2. Paul pleaded with God to remove his “thorn,” but God said no. Is there an area in your life where you have prayed for relief or change, but God hasn’t answered the way you hoped? How do you respond in those moments? [24:33]
3. The message says that weakness and suffering are not signs of God’s absence, but can actually be gifts that keep us humble and dependent on Him. How does this idea affect the way you view your own struggles or weaknesses? [26:15]
4. When you face hardship, do you find yourself drawing closer to God or drifting away? What practical steps could help you use hard times to grow in trust and Christlikeness? [11:21]
5. The sermon challenges us to ask, “Does this draw me closer to the Lord and make me more like Him, or does it pull me away?” Think of a current challenge in your life. How might you use this question to “decode” what God is doing? [04:25]
6. Suffering for doing good is described as “commendable” and a way to follow in Christ’s steps. Is there a situation where you are experiencing pushback or difficulty because you are trying to do the right thing? How can you stay encouraged? [33:12]
7. The message ends by encouraging us to be “vessels of eternal impact.” What is one way you can invest your life in others this week, even if it means embracing discomfort or weakness? [42:43]
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Devotional
Day 1: God Works All Things for the Good of Those Who Love Him
No matter what circumstances you face—whether joyful, painful, or mundane—God is always working for your good if you love Him. This good is not always what you desire or expect, but it is always aimed at drawing you closer to Him and shaping you into the person He created you to be. The promise is not for everyone, but specifically for those who truly love God, who admire, appreciate, and desire to please Him. Even when you cannot understand how your situation could possibly be good, you can trust that God is present, for you, and will never leave or forsake you. The real good He is working is your transformation into Christlikeness, which is His eternal plan for you. [04:25]
Romans 8:28-29 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."
Reflection: What is one difficult circumstance in your life right now that you struggle to see as “good”? How might God be using it to draw you closer to Him or shape your character today?
Day 2: God Gives Us What We Need, Not Always What We Want
Often, what we desire is not what we truly need, and God, in His wisdom and love, gives us gifts that may not feel like gifts at all. Sometimes, He allows pain, weakness, or even ongoing struggles to remain in our lives because they protect us from pride, keep us humble, and make us more useful for His purposes. Like Paul, you may plead for relief and not receive it, but God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in your weakness. The pain you don’t want may be the very thing that produces the character you do need, and God is more committed to your eternal good than your immediate comfort. [24:33]
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (ESV)
"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: Is there a “thorn” or ongoing struggle in your life that you have begged God to remove? How might you begin to see it as a gift that God is using to shape your character or keep you close to Him?
Day 3: Suffering for Doing Good Is Commendable Before God
When you suffer for doing what is right, or endure pain you do not deserve, God sees and commends your faithfulness. Suffering does not mean God is against you or has forgotten you; often, it is a sign that He is with you, refining you, and preparing you for greater things. Jesus Himself suffered unjustly, leaving us an example to follow. Sometimes, it is even God’s will that we suffer, and in those times, we are called to entrust ourselves to our faithful Creator and continue to do good, knowing that He will ultimately reward and vindicate us. [33:12]
1 Peter 2:19-21; 1 Peter 4:19 (ESV)
"For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."
"Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good."
Reflection: Think of a time when you suffered for doing the right thing. How can you entrust yourself to God and continue to do good, even when it feels unfair or unnoticed?
Day 4: Weakness Teaches Us to Rely on God’s Power
God sometimes allows us to reach the end of our own strength so that we learn to rely on His power rather than ourselves. When you feel overwhelmed, pressured, or unable to endure, it is often so that you will cry out to God, cling to Him, and experience His sustaining strength. This dependence is not a sign of failure, but the very place where God’s power is most evident in your life. As you trust Him in your weakness, you discover that He is faithful to deliver, strengthen, and help you, giving you the ability to persevere and impact others for eternity. [35:40]
2 Corinthians 1:8-10; Isaiah 40:28-31; Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
"For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again."
"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel most weak or overwhelmed right now? What would it look like to rely on God’s strength instead of your own in that area today?
Day 5: Invest Your Life in God’s Kingdom and Others
Your life is not a rehearsal—God calls you to invest yourself wholeheartedly in His kingdom and in serving others. The greatest impact you can have is to become a bridge between people and Christ, living with Christlike character and eternal purpose. Even when it is costly or difficult, do not shrink back or become silent; instead, be strong in the Lord, knowing that He is with you and for you. You will never regret giving yourself fully to God’s service, and the strength you need will often come when you feel weakest. [42:43]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can invest in God’s kingdom or serve someone else this week, even if it feels inconvenient or stretches you beyond your comfort zone?
Quotes
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