One of the great paradoxes of human existence is the strength found in weakness. Often our physical weakness opens the door for spiritual strength. We can see this at work in stories like Corrie ten Boom, the Dutch woman who endured a Nazi prison camp during World War II.
In ten Boom’s telling of her inspiring story, her sister is the primary hero. The sisters were plagued by lice in their barracks. Bettsie exhorted Corrie to give thanks in all things. They later learned they were spared abuse from the guards who avoided them because of the lice. Corrie’s bitterness melted away. She learned her sister had been correct. The weakness of the lice gave them protection from the guards. More importantly, Corrie learned a spiritual lesson that helped her develop into a woman that inspired the faith of many.
There is a kind of strength that transcends muscles and money. The strength of faithfulness, righteousness, and love. A power only available through God Himself.
For whatever reason, the Lord has set up a world that applies struggle toward developing strength. When we encounter difficulties, we have the opportunity to be strong in faith. Being strong in faith is one of our greatest opportunities this side of heaven.