In My Weakness

(c)2020 Carolyn Miller

2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV

“That is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

This piece of music was the result of time spent digesting this passage of scripture. “WEAKNESS” is not a popular word in our culture. No one wants to be considered weak. We are nurtured to be strong and capable and when we are not we usually retreat into the background because we feel second rate.

I love the way God’s Kingdom turns things upside down.

For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Weakness can be a positive trait in our relationship with God.  It is helpful in acknowledging our need for God… needing to rely upon him. It is realising that I am not perfect and I need God.

The apostle Paul describes his thoughts about this…

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 TPT

“The extraordinary level of the revelations I’ve received is no reason for anyone to exalt me. For this is why a thorn in my flesh was given to me, the Adversary’s messenger sent to harass me, keeping me from becoming arrogant. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this. But he answered me, my grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness. So, I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.

A thorn in your flesh could be a physical ailment or maybe a personality trait that holds you back or an emotional pain that restricts you. I find my weaknesses very frustrating, but I take encouragement from this passage. It reminds me to take my frustrations to God and see them as positive emotions because if I didn’t get so frustrated then I wouldn’t realise I needed God so much. 

As you listen, notice how the music shifts from minor(sad) to major(brighter). This represents the thorn as something one sees as a weakness and is unhappy about, but then if one allows God to be strong as we rely upon him, instead of ourselves, then it can be positive as it draws us near to our heavenly father.  

About the score… find a sample of the score below. If you are a pianist who is about Grade 4 then I think you would be able to play this. It is not technically difficult but requires mature musicianship for the rubato and to play expressively with a depth of emotion and musicality. If you wish to obtain a full copy of the piano score then please contact Carolyn