2 Corinthians 12:9–10, Strength…weakness…weak…strong. This is another fundamental principle of the kingdom of Elohim that is counter-intuitive to the natural human mind. How can weakness be strength? This seems to be the reverse of what the world teaches us. Strength in weakness is akin to other scriptural principles as well where the opposite of what seems to be true is actually the higher spiritual truth. For example, the Bible teaches us that to become rich (spiritually), we must give our physical wealth away. Or to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, we must become a servant, that is, the way down is the way up. Or to gain (eternal) life, one must be willing to lose one’s life (to lay one’s physical and soul life down at the foot of the cross of Yeshua). Or when we come to the end of ourselves and have no where look but up, this is when we find Elohim. 

Similarly, Paul’s statement in this passage teaches us that when we are in physical distress through persecution, infirmities of the flesh or reproaches of men this is when we find the love, strength, presence and love of Elohim. David expressed it this way: “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me” (Ps 23:4). In a similar vein, Isaiah declared that when we pass through the floods and fires of adversities, YHVH will be with us, for he will not allow us to either drown or be burned (Isa 43:1–2). Job was perfected in weakness and found strength in Elohim in his time of distress, as was Jacob in his dark night of the soul when he found himself at death’s door and his natural strength failed to deliver him out of his troubles upon returning to the Promised Land. The Israelites found Elohim when trapped between Pharaoh and the sea, as did the three Hebrew children when thrown into the fiery furnace. Countless other biblical examples could be given of true strength being birthed out of human weakness. 

Remember this. When you’re strong (in yourself), it’s hard if not impossible to find YHVH’s love, but when you’re weak (and have come to the end of yourself), YHVH’s love will find you, that is, YHVH’s strength will be made perfect in weakness.

I can do all things through Messiah who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)

…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man…(Eph 3:16)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. (Eph 6:10)

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on YHVH Shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isa 40:29–31)

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your Elohim. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isa 41:10)

He shall say, “Surely in YHVH I have righteousness and strength. To Him men shall come, And all shall be ashamed Who are incensed against Him.” (Isa 45:24)