In our pursuit of personal growth and strength, we often rely on our abilities, knowledge, and resources. However, in God’s divine wisdom, He calls us to a counterintuitive path to true strength – we grow stronger by growing weaker. As the renowned theologian, J.I. Packer eloquently stated, 

If I could remember, each day of my life, that the way to grow stronger is to grow weaker, if I would accept that each day’s frustrations, obstacles, and accidents are God’s ways of making me acknowledge my weakness, so that growing stronger might become a possibility for me, if I did not betray myself into relying on myself–my knowledge, my expertise, my position, my skill with words, and so on–so much of the time, what a difference it would make to me! I wonder what many others, besides myself, need to concentrate on learning these lessons? May God in His great mercy weaken us all!

In a world that celebrates strength, self-sufficiency, and independence, the counterintuitive concept of growing stronger by growing weaker might seem perplexing. Yet, as believers, we are called to a different path…one that mirrors Christ’s example of humility and surrender.

Understanding the Paradox

In our quest for strength and growth, it may seem counterintuitive to embrace weakness. However, the paradox lies in the fact that our weakness can lead us to true strength. As believers, we come to understand that it is in our moments of vulnerability and dependence on God that His grace becomes all-sufficient.

During these instances of vulnerability, we become more receptive to the transformative workings of God. Through frustrations, obstacles, and accidents, God lovingly reveals our need for His strength. In acknowledging our limitations, we open ourselves to the transformative work of God’s grace. By turning to the Scriptures for guidance and seeking God’s wisdom, we embark on a journey toward spiritual growth, where our weaknesses become opportunities for God’s strength to manifest in our lives.

“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 rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Steps to Grow Stronger by Growing Weaker

1. Embrace Humility

Humility holds great significance in our spiritual journey. It stands as a counterpoint to the dangers of self-reliance and pride that often hinder our growth. When we humbly recognize our need for God’s guidance and surrender our ego, we open ourselves to His transformative work. Cultivating a humble heart requires intentional prayer and reflection, as we seek to align our will with God’s.

Embracing humility is the key that unlocks the door to genuine strength. Understanding that true power emerges from a place of humility allows us to tap into a powerful truth: relying on God’s strength, instead of solely depending on our own, opens the door for His incredible power to shine through, especially when we’re feeling vulnerable. When we admit our limitations, we create a space for God’s grace to flow.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

James 4:10

2. Surrender Control

Sometimes, it’s hard to admit that we’re not in control of everything. We often want to steer the ship of our lives, calling the shots and charting the course. But here’s the thing: true strength isn’t found in holding onto control with an iron grip. In those moments when we let go of our need for total independence, we discover a new kind of power.

Surrendering to God might seem scary, and it certainly isn’t easy. But here’s the catch: true strength lies in recognizing our need for God’s guidance and relying on His wisdom. In those moments of surrender, we discover a source of strength and peace beyond what we could ever muster on our own. Saying, “I trust you, God. I trust that your plan is better than mine.” is like trading in a limited, human-sized strength for an infinite, God-sized strength.

This transformational exchange of control for trust is where the magic happens. When we let go of our pride, and our need for certainty, and humbly acknowledge that God’s plans are ultimately greater than ours we find peace amidst chaos, courage in the face of uncertainty, and strength that doesn’t waver when life gets tough.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5–6 

3. Embrace Challenges

Embracing challenges can be tough, but it’s important to shift our perspective and see them as opportunities for growth. Instead of resenting them, we can view them as tools God uses to shape and refine our character. Just like a skilled craftsman who molds raw materials into something beautiful, God uses challenges to transform us into the person He intends us to be.

Think about it: when we face adversity head-on, we’re forced to dig deep, find resilience we didn’t know we had, and lean on God in ways we never imagined. It’s in the midst of life’s challenges that we can experience His love, grace, and faithfulness in powerful ways.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

James 1:2–3 

4. Seek God’s Presence

When life’s challenges try to knock us down, seeking God’s presence isn’t just an option—it’s the very essence of growing stronger in Him as we grow weaker in ourselves. In those quiet moments of prayer, meditation, and diving into the Word, we find our true source of strength. Cultivating a deep relationship with God enables us to draw strength from His presence. As we spend time in His presence, we begin to realize that true strength comes from growing weak before Him. 

So, when life gets chaotic, and your heart feels like it’s racing to keep up, remember, seeking God’s presence isn’t another task on a to-do list; it’s an open door to experience the strength that empowers, peace that envelops, and joy that uplifts.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11 

5. Lean on Community

Growing together in community is such a vital aspect of our spiritual journey. We were never meant to walk this path alone. Being a part of a community provides us with support, encouragement, and accountability. When we surround ourselves with like-minded believers, we can build each other up, challenge one another, and cheer each other on. 

Here’s the thing: when we’re real about our weaknesses, we give others the courage to be real too. There’s something truly beautiful in that vulnerability—the way it turns strangers into friends and creates spaces where we can grow without pretenses. When we open up and share our struggles, we create an atmosphere of authenticity and trust, where true strength can be found and growth can take place. 

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 

So, here’s the bottom line: growing stronger by growing weaker isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a transformative way of life. It’s about releasing control, facing challenges head-on, seeking God’s presence, and embracing the power of community.

It’s about trading our limited strength for God’s boundless power, and finding strength in our vulnerabilities. So, my challenge to you is this: take a step today. Open your hands and release that need for control. Face challenges with a new perspective. Spend some quality time in prayer and reflection. And don’t hesitate to lean on your community—the ones who’ve got your back.

Let’s embrace this journey together, knowing that as we grow weaker in ourselves, we’re actually becoming stronger in the ways that truly matter. Your adventure in growing stronger through embracing weakness starts right now. Let us echo Packer’s prayer, “May God in His great mercy weaken us all!”