When we think of the word power, our minds often go to strength, ability, success, or control. We imagine someone who can handle anything, fix anything, and rise above any challenge. But in 2 Corinthians 12, God pulls back a different curtain. He shows us that His power does not flow through our strength—but through our weakness. Christ’s power does not fall upon the self-sufficient, the talented, the confident, or the capable. It rests upon the broken, the limited, the needy, the dependent, and the weak.
The apostle Paul knew spiritual highs like few people ever will. He received visions and revelations directly from God. But with great privilege came a painful problem—a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, something that relentlessly “buffeted” him. Paul begged God three times to remove it. Instead of relief, Jesus gave him a greater gift:
“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Those few words transformed Paul’s perspective. In a moment, he stopped asking for the thorn to be removed and started asking for Christ’s power to rest upon him. What he once resisted, he now embraced. What he once saw as a burden, he now recognized as the very avenue for God’s power.
This message reminds us that the power of Christ is not something we study from a distance—it’s something God longs to rest upon us. But it only comes through the doorway of weakness, surrender, and dependence. Paul goes on to show what that power looks like throughout Scripture and how believers today can experience it. Let’s look at what the Bible reveals about the power of Christ—and the three decisions we must make if we want that power resting on our lives.
1. The Power of Christ Displayed in Scripture
Christ’s power is not theoretical—it is vast, active, and undeniable.
The Power of Christ in Creation
Colossians 1:16–17 declares:
“For by him were all things created… And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”
Jesus Christ—the Word through whom God spoke the universe into being—holds creation together at every moment. The sun rises, the earth spins, your heart beats, and galaxies swirl because of His sustaining power.
The Power of Christ in Salvation
Romans 1:16 proclaims the gospel as “the power of God unto salvation.”
The power that transforms the drunk into a believer, heals marriages, restores families, and gives new life is the same power God offers to rest upon His children daily.
The Power of Christ in the Resurrection
Philippians 3:10 shows that we know Christ through “the power of his resurrection.”
Eternal life is possible only because Jesus conquered death—and His resurrection power is available to strengthen us every day.
The Power of Christ over Demons
In Luke 4:36, Jesus speaks with authority and demons flee. No spiritual force can stand against Him, and no believer needs to fear the enemy—Christ’s power is infinitely greater.
The Power of Christ to Heal
Luke 5:17 says, “the power of the Lord was present to heal.”
Christ heals physical bodies, but even more, He heals broken hearts, wounded emotions, and shattered spirits.
The Power of Christ to Keep Believers
Jude 24 says He is able “to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless.”
We do not hold onto God—He holds onto us. His power secures us, sustains us, and keeps us saved forever.
The Power of Christ Over All Things
Matthew 28:18 declares:
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
Not some power. Not most power. All power. There is no problem, no trial, no fear, and no need beyond the authority of Jesus Christ.
This is the power Paul longed for—the power that not only surrounds us, but rests upon us.
2. Three Decisions for Christ’s Power to Rest Upon Our Lives
Paul discovered that God’s power does not rest on the strong—it rests on the weak. There are three responses every believer must make.
1. Acknowledge Your Weakness
Paul said, “Most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities.”
He didn’t hide his weaknesses, excuse them, or pretend they didn’t exist. He embraced them because they created space for God’s power.
We often fight weakness—we want to look strong, capable, put-together. But God says our weakness is not a liability. It is an invitation.
When we stop pretending we’re strong, Christ can finally show that He is.
2. Abandon Self-Reliance
Pastor Howell put it so clearly:
“The greatest barrier to the power of Christ is the power of me.”
We often:
Work harder instead of praying.
Google symptoms instead of seeking God.
Lean on our ideas instead of surrendering to His wisdom.
Try to fix ourselves instead of depending on Christ.
But self-power and Christ-power cannot occupy the same space.
When we insist on doing life in our own strength, God steps back and lets us try.
When we finally admit, “I can’t do this,” He steps in with resurrection power.
3. Accept God’s Purposed Limitations
Culture says, “Be all you can be.”
Scripture says, “You can’t be all you want—but God can be everything you need.”
Paul didn’t resent the thorn anymore—he rejoiced in it. His limitations were not obstacles to God’s plan… they were God’s plan.
Your limitations—your past, personality, family situation, health, fears, failures—are not accidents. They are carefully designed boundaries through which Christ’s power shines brightest.
Paul said:
“I take pleasure in infirmities… for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Weakness is not the enemy. Strength without God is.
Conclusion
The power of Christ is not a distant theological concept. It is real, active, and available. But it rests only on those who surrender their strength, embrace their weakness, and depend entirely on the One who holds all power in heaven and earth.
Paul asked God to remove the problem. God offered something better—His power.
And that same offer is extended to us today.
Reflection Question:
Where in your life do you need to stop striving in your own strength and begin surrendering so that the power of Christ may rest upon you?
