“If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.”
2 Corinthians 11:30 (NLT)
In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul keeps calling his own boasting “foolish.” The so-called “super-apostles” bragged about their strengths and credentials, but Paul takes a different path. He lists his beatings, imprisonments, hardships, and sufferings—not to exalt himself, but to show that the gospel doesn’t spare us from struggle. Instead, it proves itself in the middle of it.
Paul admits it sounds like madness to talk this way, but he is teaching the Corinthians a greater truth. Following Christ may lead us into storms, but those storms reveal God’s sustaining grace. Every prison cell and shipwreck became evidence that Jesus was the one carrying him. His weakness became the canvas for God’s power.
That convicts me. Because today’s church—including me—often isn’t ready to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel. We want comfort, not chains. Yet Paul shows us that the true mark of a servant of Christ isn’t avoiding weakness, but letting weakness reveal God’s strength.
Paul’s words remind me that the true testimony isn’t “look at my strength.” It’s “look at my Savior.” When I boast in weakness, I’m declaring that Christ is enough. My scars point to His sufficiency. My lack highlights His limitless power.