“So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (v. 10)

I don’t know what they are saying about you.

I don’t know what they did.

I don’t know how you’re hurting, why you’re grieving, or where you’re mired in conflict.

I don’t know what it is.

But I do know the Bible’s confounding and contradictory calling for you through it all.

“Take pleasure.”

Why in the world should we take pleasure when we are insulted, accused, persecuted, and troubled? It’s because, when you and I are stripped of ego, Christ is elevated. Jesus doesn’t just shine when I am strong; He shines when I am weak.

When you are weakened by the burdens of criticism and hardship and insults—yet you still worship, still serve, still pray—Jesus shines. Taking pleasure in that means living up to precisely the kind of life He said we would live, the not-easy life lived for His glory.

That’s hard. But it is also true.

If you are weak today, take pleasure, for He will show up in you and through you.

— Tyler