August 23 – Power Through Powerlessness
Power is made perfect in infirmity: for then is the strength of Christ in us, when by the weakness of our humility we have overcome pride. St. Jerome
Gregg’s Reflection
When I hit the wall as my Lutheran project failed, I ended up with knee problems, back problems and heart problems. Before it was over, I spent a month in bed. This was my first experience of powerlessness. As I read Job that month, I realized I had been having trouble letting God be God. Moving from power to powerless allowed a bit of humility to emerge. And it turns out, humility was a prerequisite to living into my calling.
Henri Nouwen reminds us that Christian power is not about strength as the world defines it, but about vulnerability, humility, and service. When we dare to step into powerlessness, we find ourselves caught up in God’s endless mercy. It is there, in surrender, that we discover the strength to stand in truth and love.
This kind of power is not weakness — it is courage. It allows us to speak boldly, serve generously, and endure faithfully, not because of what we possess, but because Christ’s power rests upon us. In God’s kingdom, the paradox is clear: when we are weak, then we are strong.
Scripture
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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me… For whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9–10
He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:30
Ancient Quotes
Power is made perfect in infirmity: for then is the strength of Christ in us, when by the weakness of our humility we have overcome pride.
St. Jerome, Letters, Letter 145
Modern Quotes
The movement from power through strength to power through powerlessness is our call. As we dare to be baptized in powerlessness, always moving toward the poor who do not have such power, we are plunged right into the heart of God’s endless mercy.
Henri Nouwen, Nouwen Society Daily Devotion, 10/7/20
Journaling Prompts
- Where in your life do you feel weak or powerless today?
- How might surrendering control open the way for God’s power to flow?
- What would it look like to embody the paradox of strength through weakness in your relationships or work this week?
Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 34 Reflection: Power of God/Power of Grace