Hey, Beautiful Souls! Strength in weakness is our theme today as we journey through Lent—our Journey Through Lent: 40 Days from Ashes to Alleluia—with hearts wide open to Jesus. It’s March 15, 2025, and we’re diving into 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, a scripture that’s been my anchor in this season of surrender. If you’re feeling weak, maybe even a little broken, this one’s for you—I’ve been there too. Let’s explore how God’s grace turns our frailty into power, right here in Lent’s sacred stretch. Grab your journal and pen, and let’s approach the Throne of Grace together.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 reads:
“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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 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.’” (NIV)
These words land like a whisper of hope in Lent’s quiet. Paul’s not hiding his struggles—he’s celebrating them. Why? Because he’s found strength in weakness through God’s grace. Let’s unpack this and see how it shapes our faith journey as creative Jesus girls seeking Jesus in these 40 days.
God’s Grace Meets Our Lenten Weakness
Paul’s got this “thorn in his flesh”—some burden he can’t shake, though scholars debate what it was. A physical ailment? A persistent temptation? He doesn’t say, but he does tell us he begged God three times to remove it. That raw honesty hits home in Lent, doesn’t it? This season strips us down, revealing our limits.
I decided to give up sweet treats for Lent—nothing grand, just a small offering to Jesus. On day one, I was golden. Day five? I caved. It wasn’t even a fancy dessert—just a chocolate chip cookie from the grocery store, still warm in its little plastic sleeve. I ate it in the car, crumbs on my lap, and felt a wave of guilt. “Really? I couldn’t even do this one thing?” But then I read Paul’s story, and Jesus’ reply stopped me: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
That’s the Lenten truth I needed. It’s not about nailing the fast—it’s about meeting Jesus when we stumble. Maybe your weakness isn’t cookies. Maybe it’s snapping at your kids after a long day, or skipping that morning prayer because the snooze button won. Where’s Lent exposing your cracks? Take it to Him. His grace isn’t waiting for perfection—it’s rushing in right now, stronger than our slip-ups.
Boasting in Our Brokenness This Lent
Here’s where Paul gets bold—he boasts in his weaknesses. Insults, hardships, persecutions—he delights in them. Not because he loves pain, but because they’re the stage for Christ’s power. In Greek, “power” here is dynamis—dynamic, explosive strength. Paul’s saying, “My mess? It’s where Jesus dynamites through.”
In Lent, this feels radical. We’re fasting, praying, peeling back layers—and Paul’s cheering us on to embrace the mess. I had a moment like this last week. I’d promised myself extra prayer time each night—five minutes, no big deal. But Thursday, I sat on the couch, journal open, pup curled up next to me, and… fell asleep mid-sentence. I woke up an hour later., pen still in hand, pup drool on the page. My first thought? “Great, I’m a Lenten failure.”
Then 2 Corinthians 12 hit me. What if I boasted in that sleepy slip instead of hiding it? I texted a friend the next day, laughing about my “holy nap,” and she replied, “Oh, thank goodness—I thought I was the only one who couldn’t keep up!” That’s my strength in weakness—my little flop became a connection point. Where can you boast in your Lenten brokenness today? Maybe it’s a fast you fumbled or a grudge you’re still wrestling. Let Jesus shine there.
Strength in Weakness Fuels Spiritual Renewal
Lent’s a journey from Ashes to Alleluia, and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 is our roadmap—when we’re weak, His strength renews us. It’s not about muscling through; it’s about surrendering to grace. After that cookie incident, I sat in my car, head in hands, and prayed, “I’m sorry, Jesus. I let You down. It was the least I could do to give up something menial, and I failed.” I expected shame, but instead, I felt this quiet wave—a renewed sense of grace I’d been missing for weeks.
That’s the renewal we’re chasing, beautiful souls. Approaching the throne of grace daily, as Hebrews 4:16 urges, we find forgiveness, yes—but also awareness of His nearness, assurance of His love, encouragement to keep going, and direction for the next step. I’ve been asking myself, “How can I renew my commitment to this every day?” For me, it’s starting fresh each morning—cookie crumbs and all—trusting His power over mine.
Think about your own Lenten walk. Where’s Jesus renewing you? Maybe it’s in letting go of guilt over a broken fast or finding peace after a restless night. His grace doesn’t just patch us up—it transforms us. How can you approach His throne today with that humble hope?
Practical Application: Living Out Strength in Weakness
So, how do we live this out in Lent’s daily grind? Here are some steps to renew your creative faith journey:
- Journal Your Weakness: Write down where you’ve stumbled—maybe that cookie moment or a sharp word you regret. Then doodle His grace over it—a flower pushing through cracks, a light in the dark.
- Pray with Humility: Set aside five minutes to approach the throne of grace. Confess, yes, but linger—listen for His encouragement, His direction. I’ve been leaving my journal open after, letting the silence settle.
- Create with Faith: Make something small that boasts in weakness—a sketch of a thorn with a tiny crown, or a collage of broken pieces made whole. Use scraps if that’s all you’ve got—it’s enough. There are more ideas in the Creative Faith section at the bottom.
- Rest in His Power: Pick one moment today to lean on Him. For me, it’s skipping the guilt trip after a restless night and thanking Him for grace instead. What’s yours?
These aren’t rules—they’re invitations to meet Jesus where you’re weak. Lent’s not about perfection; it’s about presence. How will you approach His grace today? What small step feels doable?
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Creative Faith Through Bible Journaling in Lent
Now, let’s spark that creative faith! Strength in weakness isn’t just a truth—it’s a call to worship with our hands and hearts. Paul’s delight in difficulties has me turning my Lenten struggles into art. I’ve been Bible journaling 2 Corinthians 12 all week—sketching a cracked clay jar with gold light spilling out, inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is mended with gold. I used my Mini Journaling Kit, blending gray watercolor with metallic pens. It’s messy, but it’s mine—a visual prayer that says, “Your grace is enough, Jesus.”
You can do this too. Grab your supplies—pens, paints, even a scrap of paper—and let this scripture breathe on your page. Try scripture writing “My grace is sufficient” in a bold, loopy font, or paint a stormy sky with a sunrise breaking through. Need inspiration? Check out my Lent journaling ideas post—it’s packed with tips! Last night, I added a thorn sketch next to verse 9, pressing a real twig into wet ink for texture. It’s not perfect, but it’s worship.
Our creative faith shines in Lent because it’s not about flawless art—it’s about a heart turned to Him. Maybe you’re not a painter—try a playlist of grace-filled songs or a poem about your weakness. What will you create this week to reflect His strength? How can your hands tell this story?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come to You in this holy Lent, hearts heavy with our weaknesses yet lifted by Your grace. I’m sorry, Jesus—I let You down. It was the least I could do to give up sweet treats, and I failed. But today, I feel a renewed sense of grace that’s been missing from my heart for a while.
Thank You, Lord. For every beautiful soul reading, I pray for strength in weakness. Help us approach Your throne daily, humbly receiving forgiveness, awareness, assurance, encouragement, and direction. May our creative faith—our journals, prayers, and lives—reflect Your power, drawing us closer through these 40 days.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Thoughts and Connect with Creative Jesus Girl
Strength in weakness is our Lenten lifeline. As creative Jesus girls, let’s lean into it—letting God’s grace carry us from ashes to alleluia. Our shaky steps, our messy journals, our honest prayers? They’re where His strength shines. How’s 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 speaking to you this Lent? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your heart! Join me on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, and LinkedIn for more faith and creativity.
Don’t forget to check out my free Creative Resources below to deepen your journey. Be sure to hit those share buttons as well and let’s grow this journey together—use #CreativeJesusGirl to connect! I’m Debbie, a Jesus girl passionate about creative faith—learn more here. Keep walking from ashes to alleluia with me—we’re in this together!
Free Creative Resources
Creative Jesus Girl is all about encouraging your faith walk and equipping your creative journey. And friends, I am excited about my newest series Free Lent Creatives, now available! It’s tailored for our Journey Through Lent: 40 Days from Ashes to Alleluia—download them now! You’ll find them on the menu above or just click the link. Think beautifully designed Journaling, Prayer, Note, Scripture, Bible Study Cards, Mini Bible Journaling, and Scripture Kits – all created to help you grow this Lenten Season.
Download your freebies now and let’s journey through Lent together! I’d love to see how you’re using them. Share your insights and creations with #CreativeJesusGirl – I can’t wait to see your faith shine! Want even more? Explore my full Scripture Journaling Kits over on my Patreon for past kits, like my Fall Gratitude series, or grab the full Scripture Journaling Kit for your Lenten deep dive. These are yours to enjoy, beautiful souls—let’s create and grow together!
