Can Weakness Be An Advantage?

“Your injury gives you an unfair advantage.”

People actually say this to me. I get their point. Somehow they think it’s easy to sell books and land speaking gigs because I have this inspirational story to write and speak about.

Frankly I haven’t always reacted well. I don’t say it out loud, but internally I’m screaming, “Oh yeah? Let’s trade. I’d be happy to give you my ‘advantage’.”

At least that’s how I used to react. These days I see things from a different perspective.

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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

His power. Is made perfect. In my weakness.

That turns things upside down. God’s not looking for perfect folks, He’s looking for broken ones…like me, and maybe like you.

And here’s an even bigger shock. The more messed up we are, the bigger the story we can write. It’s not enough to simply survive—we’re supposed to thrive, to dream big dreams and trust Him enough to follow them.

That’s great news, because…we’re all messed up. The people who thought my injury gives me an unfair advantage are wrong. I might have a bit more obvious disability, but everyone faces adversity. We all deal with fear, pain, guilt, grief, and loss.

The question isn’t whether I’m more or less broken. It’s whether you and I are willing to face and be honest about our own stories, whether we’re willing to allow others to see God’s power in our weakness.

One bit of my brokenness might be a bit more visible than yours. It’s an advantage if I choose to share my story in a way that shines light into someone’s darkness. Otherwise, it’s just an injury.

Same for you.

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