2 Corinthians 12:7-10
“Lest I should be exalted above measure through the exceeding greatness of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing, I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Paul, writing to the Corinthian church around 55-57 CE, is defending his apostleship against critics. He has just shared about extraordinary spiritual experiences and visions, and then immediately pivots to speak about a persistent, painful personal challenge.
How might acknowledging our own limitations or struggles open us to a different kind of strength?