When the Superhero Cape Comes Off

“And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9a)

The two little boys had their superhero imitation down to a fine art. Reenacting Superman’s stance and moves filled their days of playtime, whether together or alone. So they were thrilled when one of the moms gave them each a long red cape with an S emblem, and off, they “flew.” Likewise, the boys were ecstatic when they received the matching Underoos® that completed the Superman look. Wearing the costumes bolstered a sense of power as they imitated their hero. But they had to lay aside the capes and their symbol of strength when the outfits needed washing.

The apostle Paul faithfully served God, imitating Jesus. Yet when he asked the Lord to deliver him of a disorder referred to as “a thorn in the flesh,” there was only silence. After his third plea for deliverance, Jesus replied His power worked best through weakness, and His grace was enough. Healing or bolstered strength was not Paul’s answer, but yielding to and trusting the One who supplies everything we need.

Jesus was Paul’s strength in life’s challenges and wants to be your strength. But you must first acknowledge and surrender to the fact that you need help, the kind only God can supply. Can you say like Paul that you take pleasure in insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles for the power of Christ to work through you? Will you trust Jesus’ strength “is made perfect” in and through your weakness? Can you say like Paul, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (v. 10)? When your superhero cape comes off, Jesus’ grace is sufficient for all your needs as He works through your surrendered limitations.