Weak Enough To Serve
BRD REFLECTION 2026
2 Corinthians 11:16-33 and Psalm 37:1-7 (NIV)
(Melody Leong, Pastoral Team)
READ:
2 Corinthians 11:16-33 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
This passage drips with both sarcasm and passion from the apostle Paul, but his words come from a heart that cares deeply for the Corinthians. The church had allowed false teachers—referred to as “super-apostles”—to mistreat them (vv. 19-20). Despite being bullied, the Corinthian church venerated these false teachers because they thought strength, status, and privilege were marks of a true teacher of Christ. In contrast, they treated Paul with contempt because he was not as eloquent as these false teachers and refused to accept their payment for preaching the gospel. Paul had also undergone suffering for the sake of the gospel and did not exhibit the trappings of what the Corinthians valued as a successful servant of God.
APPLY:
As a youth worker for over 10 years, I often found myself feeling inadequate—especially when comparing myself to others who spoke eloquently, came from a higher social status, or were popular. But Paul’s message reminds me that these qualities are not what make someone a servant of Christ. If I were to suffer for the sake of the gospel and not receive any recognition in the end, I would still gladly accept that I am weak in the eyes of society; for it is in my weakness that God’s glory shines most brightly.
DO:
When I feel that I am too inadequate to handle difficult ministry matters, I will find strength and wisdom in God.
I will remind myself daily that I am not entitled to recognition or reward when serving God’s people.
PRAY:
Dear Father God, thank You for Your reminder that it is not about my physical human abilities that qualify me for service in Your kingdom. Keep me humble at all times. When I feel sad that I am not appreciated for what I’ve done, remind me of Your Son, Jesus, who was despised and was esteemed not by man. May Your name be glorified in my weakness! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
