DEPENDENCE OVER STRENGTH: A Devotional on Fairness, Comparison & 2 Corinthians 12:10
Scripture Focus
“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” — 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NKJV)
1. We Were Never Created to Be Strong on Our Own
One of the greatest revelations the Holy Spirit gives is this:
we were not designed to live life depending on ourselves.
Our limitations are not flaws — they are intentional invitations to rely on God.
Scripture confirms this truth over and over:
2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
John 15:5 — “Without Me you can do nothing.”
Psalm 73:26 — “My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
We fall into frustration when we try to live in a strength God never asked us to produce.
**2. The Illusion of “Fairness”
**
Many of our struggles come from believing God operates according to human fairness.
But the Kingdom of God does not run on fairness — it runs on faithfulness.
Scripture reveals this clearly:
Matthew 5:45 — “He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good… and sends rain on the just and unjust.”
Psalm 37:1–2 — “Do not fret because of evildoers… they shall soon be cut down like grass.”
When we see others receiving blessings without seeking God or putting in the same effort we do, it can feel unfair. But God sees differently. His timing, His justice, and His ways are perfect.
3. When Comparison Creeps In
Comparison is one of the enemy’s most subtle traps.
It leads to jealousy, frustration, and feelings of inadequacy.
Scripture warns us strongly:
Galatians 6:4 — “Let each one examine his own work… without comparing himself to someone else.”
James 3:16 — “Where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”
Comparison shifts our eyes from Jesus to people — and that’s when the enemy gains influence.
4. Martha vs. Mary: A Picture of Misplaced Expectation
The story of Martha and Mary reveals the tension between work and worship, fairness and faithfulness.
Luke 10:38–42 — Martha was “distracted with much serving,” while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet.
Martha felt frustrated, unheard, and treated unfairly.
But Jesus corrected her gently: “Mary has chosen the better part.”
This wasn’t about work vs. laziness — it was about dependence vs. self-effort.
Mary chose to be near Jesus, not busy for Jesus.
Martha chose pressure; Mary chose peace.
5. The Kingdom Truth: His Strength Is Perfect in Our Weakness
When we stop trying to be the strong one, the capable one, the one who holds everything together, God steps in with His supernatural power.
Isaiah 40:29 — “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.”
Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Psalm 46:1 — “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
This is why Paul said he rejoiced in his weaknesses.
Weakness is not a failure — it is an open door for God to show Himself mighty.
6. A Call Back to Dependence
The Holy Spirit is calling us back to Mary’s posture — dependence, stillness, surrender.
Not striving.
Not comparing.
Not measuring fairness.
Not carrying what God never asked us to carry.
Just Jesus.
Just grace.
Just leaning on Him.
Reflection Questions
Where am I relying on my own strength instead of God’s?
What situations feel “unfair” to me, and why?
How has comparison robbed me of peace?
What would it look like to sit at Jesus’ feet instead of striving?
Prayer of Surrender
Father, I release the burden of doing life in my own strength.
I surrender comparison, frustration, and every false idea of fairness.
Teach me to sit at Your feet like Mary.
Teach me to rest in Your strength, not mine.
Help me to see that in my weakness, Your power is made perfect.
Let my life be anchored in dependence on You alone.
In Jesus' mighty Name, amen.
