Week Twenty-One: Humility vs Ego. May 21 – The Strength in Weakness
Perfect strength is made perfect in weakness. When a man acknowledges his own weakness, he is made strong by God’s grace. St. Augustine
Gregg’s Reflection
Humility is a hard lesson to learn in a culture that celebrates power, success and personal achievement. Yet, it is a prerequisite to finding your calling and serving God and others with your gifts. This is the second most popular topic on the blog this year. Come see why.
I’m an Enneagram 8, and I’ve spent much of my life trying to appear strong—capable, dependable, and in control. In business, that worked for a while; it inspired confidence in others and gave me a sense of security. But life has a way of bringing moments that strip away the illusion of control, and in those moments, my own strength was not enough.
One such season came when a project I poured myself into failed after five years despite my best efforts. I felt exhausted, embarrassed, and unsure of my next step. It was then I began to understand Paul’s words about boasting in weakness—not as self-pity, but as an acknowledgment that God’s grace meets us most profoundly when we come to the end of ourselves.
Since then, I’ve noticed that hope is often born in these moments of vulnerability. Strength in weakness is not about ignoring hardship, but about discovering that God is faithful right there in the middle of it. That realization changes how I move through challenges—not striving to project strength, but leaning into the One who never fails.
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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
Psalm 28:7
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:29
Ancient Quotes
Perfect strength is made perfect in weakness. When a man acknowledges his own weakness, he is made strong by God’s grace.
St. Augustine, Sermons 76.7
It is not in our power to secure ourselves against all troubles; but it is in our power to bear them with a steady and even temper.
Seneca, On Providence
Modern Quotes
Our weakness is not a barrier to God’s work but an entry point for His grace.
Henri Nouwen
When we are weak, it is not the end of our usefulness—it may be the very place where God’s strength becomes most visible.
Richard Rohr, Falling Upward, p. 79
Journaling Prompts
- When have you experienced God’s strength most clearly in a time ofweakness?
- How do you typically respond when your own strength isn’t enough?
- What would it look like to invite God’s grace into your present challenges?
- How can your vulnerability become a source of encouragement to others?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 21 Reflection: Humility vs Ego