In Weakness; Strength

I'm reading in 2 Cor 12.10 this morning where Paul sets forth one of the fundamental aspects of the Christian faith:  Strength comes in weakness, or, as Paul puts it: "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

If persecutions, infirmities, and distresses are for Christ's sake (as opposed to our own stubbornness or foolishness), then God uses them for our strength.  There are any number of Christians who can attest to the empirical truth of Paul's statement:  Joni Eareckson Tada comes to mind.

To the world, weakness is weakness.  To the Christian, one's weakness is God's strength.  Indeed, as Paul points out (vs. 9), Paul's own experience with weakness was sovereignly brought about by God.

So many mysteries and surprises to the Christian faith.