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. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NIV)
There was a moment in Scottie Scheffler’s press conference at the 86th Masters that will likely be talked about for his entire career. Seven words immediately evoked an image and drew us in. The question was a simple one, asked of most major champions.
How did you handle the late tee time?
Scheffler’s answer was a stunner.
“I cried like a baby this morning,” he said.
Scheffler went on to explain how he told his wife that wasn’t ready for the moment. He felt stressed, overwhelmed, and unprepared.
It was a shocking moment of vulnerability—first to his wife, Meredith, and then to the world. Scheffler’s faith was on full display in his answer, but it was his vulnerability that struck a chord.
How often are we truly vulnerable to those we love, never mind strangers? In 2 Corinthians, Paul talks about how the Lord taught him that God’s power is made perfect in weakness:
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. (12:9-10)
Our success, despite our weakness, demonstrates the strength of God.
That’s what made Scheffler’s transparency so remarkable. No one watching the telecast all week could’ve ever guessed what was going on internally.
How often do you delight in hardship? When was the last time you opened up to others about a weakness?
It’s the struggles that make us relatable. People need to see how faith helps us conquer our fears and insecurities. Too much of life is now viewed through a filter of perfection.
It’s time to shatter that view.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for lessons learned in the valley. Help me to open up more to those around me about the hardships that I face, and the insecurities that leave me broken. Help me to be more vulnerable to friends and strangers alike, so that they might come to know more of your healing power through my testimony.