This morning during my devotional time, I was drawn to 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, a passage that stopped me in my tracks and made me reflect not only on my personal struggles, but also on how I’ve viewed weakness for much of my life.

“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. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”.   2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

Paul’s words are raw and honest. He doesn’t cover up his pain or his problems. In fact, he leans into them. And not just that, he boasts about them.

Why?

Because he’s learned that it’s in those very moments, those moments of hardship, insult, difficulty, and inadequacy—that Christ’s power is most visible, most alive, most at work.

That message hit home for me.

Like Paul, I’ve experienced times where I didn’t feel strong. Times I didn’t feel good enough. Times when meeting goals seemed out of reach, or when criticism stung more than I let on. But Paul reminds us that these are not the moments we should be ashamed of or try to hide. These are the moments when we are most dependent on Christ, and in that dependence, we are most empowered by Him.

Earlier in this chapter, Paul writes about a mysterious “thorn in the flesh”, a burden he pleaded with God to take away. But instead of removing it, God gave him something even greater: grace.

“My grace is sufficient for you.”

It’s a reminder that we’re not called to be perfect, self-reliant, or always in control. We’re called to trust. To allow Christ’s strength to show up where our own ends. That’s where confidence is born—not from striving harder, but from surrendering deeper.

This doesn’t mean we stop trying or stop caring. It means we stop measuring our worth by our weakness. We stop letting our struggles define us. Instead, we let them become the very platform for God’s power to shine through.

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Reflect:

What weakness have you been trying to hide or fix in your own strength?

Where might Christ be inviting you to lean on Him more fully?

How can your struggle become your story of strength?

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Today, I’m choosing to see my weaknesses in a new light.
Not as liabilities, but as opportunities.
Not as something to cover up, but as places where Christ is working in me, refining me, strengthening me.
When I let go of trying to be enough in my own power, I create space for His power to take over.

And that, I believe, is the true source of confidence—not what I can do, but what He can do in me.

The post When Weakness Becomes Strength: Learning to Lean on Christ appeared first on The Buca Blog.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

Have you ever read this verse and thought, “Why don’t I feel powerful, loving, or self-disciplined?” If so, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with fear, self-doubt, and moments of weakness. Even though we know God has given us His Spirit, walking in His power can feel like an uphill battle.

But here’s the truth: God’s Spirit is already within us, equipping us with power, love, and self-discipline. The challenge isn’t that we lack these attributes, but that we often forget to access them. So how do we live in the reality of 2 Timothy 1:7?

1. Recognizing Fear for What It Is

Fear often disguises itself as caution, insecurity, or hesitation. But God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear! When we recognize fear creeping in, we must remind ourselves that it doesn’t come from God. Instead of entertaining it, we can reject it and replace it with faith.

2. Leaning Into God’s Power

God’s power isn’t something we generate on our own—it comes from Him. When we feel weak, we need to remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Relying on God’s power means praying for His help, stepping out in faith even when we feel inadequate, and trusting that He will sustain us.

3. Choosing Love Over Fear

Fear and love cannot coexist. When fear grips us, it often makes us focus inward—on our inadequacies, our failures, or our worries. Love, however, turns our focus outward. When we shift our mindset to love—loving God, loving others, and even loving ourselves as God does—we push fear aside and step into God’s purpose.

4. Practicing Self-Discipline Daily

Self-discipline isn’t just about willpower; it’s about aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s truth. When we make time for prayer, reading Scripture, and surrounding ourselves with encouragement, we strengthen the discipline to walk in God’s Spirit. Every small step of faith builds spiritual endurance.

Encouragement for Today

If you don’t feel powerful, loving, or self-disciplined today, take heart—you’re not alone. But remember, these attributes aren’t feelings; they are gifts from the Holy Spirit. Even when you feel weak, God’s Spirit within you is strong. Keep stepping forward in faith, and over time, you’ll see His power at work in your life.

So, take a deep breath. Let go of fear. Trust in the Spirit that God has given you. He is with you, always.

The post Living in the Strength of 2 Timothy 1:7 appeared first on The Buca Blog.