Our Vulnerabilities, a Platform for Grace

The last few days as I’ve watched the rescue of one of America’s downed pilots in the Iran war, I’ve rejoiced and felt uncomfortable at the same time.

I rejoice because all true patriots should be glad that America has resolved never to “leave any man behind.” I rejoice because, so far, there have not been mass casualties in America’s military as we seek to take out terrorists and prevent nuclear disaster.

Yet at times, I also feel uncomfortable with the braggadocious statements and cursing by political and military leaders. I understand their arrogance is intended to bolster America’s claims to power while scaring our enemies, but I long for leaders who might accomplish the same purposes by choosing their words carefully and humbly before God.

I’ve been thinking about the power today. I recall that Satan’s lust for power led to being cast out of heaven (Luke 10:18; Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:12-18). Saul’s unchecked pride and reliance on his own strength became his downfall, leading to disobedience, jealousy, and other sins (1 Samuel 13: 8-14; 15:10-23; 18:6-9; 28). Peter was overconfident in his own strength (Matthew 16:21-23; 26:31-35; Luke 22:31-34).

Yes, the world is obsessed with pursuing power and boasting of strength, but this should not be the posture of the church. There is no room for such pride in the Christian life, because our strength comes from the Lord. Without Him, we could do nothing (John 15:5). If we boast, we should boast only in Him (1 Corinthians 1:31), point to Him, and showcase His glory.

This does not mean we should never attempt to do great things that honor God and promote the gospel. We should strive to serve the Lord with excellence. But we also need to understand the heart of the gospel. The good news is that Jesus has worked for us in salvation, and He continues working for, in, and through us through the Holy Spirit, accomplishing what we could never do in and of ourselves.

Matthew J. Hall noted, “The gospel message isn’t one of human conquest but of divine condescension.” Divine condescension is the Son of God, Jesus, voluntarily descending from his exalted state to submit to the limitations and trials of moral life and interact with the fallen world of humanity. This was accomplished in the Incarnation of Christ (John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-8).

The believer must consider all of life in terms of who God is and what He has done for us in Christ. Our focus is on the power of the crucifixion and resurrection, not our own strength.

On the other hand, some of us have a greater problem with our weaknesses than our strengths. We question whether anything we do will please God. We might even feel that our weakness disqualifies us from Christian service. Whether we pursue personal power or dissolve into despair over our weaknesses, it’s the same heart issue: we are not depending solely on God and the sacrifice of Jesus to give us our worth and purpose.

“When we feel our failures and frailty,” Hall said, “the empty tomb testifies to God’s power to raise Jesus from the dead as a testimony that his sacrifice was enough” [emphasis mine]. In other words, Christ in me pleases God. Strength is never found in being “good enough” in and of ourselves, but rather in following and obeying the Lord and leaving the results to Him.

“We don’t belong to Christ because we’re strong,” Hall said. “We belong to him because he loves us. Our weakness isn’t a disqualification. It’s the place his strength is perfected.” This is the paradox of 2 Corinthians 12:10. Paul says human limitations allow God’s power to work effectively in us. Our vulnerabilities are a platform for His grace to work in us, giving us strength—perfected, supernatural power.

As the world clamors for more attention, more strength, more power, I want to be found at the feet of Jesus, praying, “I am depending on your power, Lord. Thank you for YOUR strength. How do you want me to serve You today—for your glory?”

Quotes from “Why Nietzsche Was Wrong about Weakness” by Matthew J. Hall, April 6, 2026, The Gospel Coalition.