Strength #5—Contented Strength

The Lord said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is brought to completion in your weakness.” … Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9–10

If we want to experience God’s gracious power to supplement us in our weakness, we must be content. Contentment arises as our faith becomes a settled and thoughtful happiness. Contentment takes time. Contentment begins as we recognize our finitude, grows as we realize God’s beatitude, and matures as we rehearse our gratitude. Contentment evolves when God’s unique design for our lives so pleases us that we eagerly invite him to augment our limitations. When we are content, we live happily within the framework of God’s wisdom and power. This is how our efforts to extend his goodness into the world in Christ’s name will succeed. However, we must not be complacent in our contentment. We must not be content with our weaknesses for their own sake, but for the sake of someone infinitely strong and worthy, for Christ. As we humbly allow him to supplement our weakness with his strengthening grace, the attention of those we serve will focus on Jesus rather than on us. Any obstacles to our success as followers of Jesus will shrink to insignificance. What appear to be stumbling blocks at first will eventually become stepping stones. The Lord is pleased to empower people who are pleased with his power.

O Lord God, I am satisfied with all that you are for me in Jesus. I want to see you do more through me for his sake. Grant me contentment and joy in everything that makes this possible.