1 Corinthians 2:2-5 - Serving from your weaknesses

Donatello crucifix, detail.
Santa Croce Basilica, Florence

It seems intuitive that whatever job we have to do, we should operate from our strengths. To try and keep doing something you're not good at is like treading water: a lot of activity without much forward progress.

On the other hand, the apostle Paul didn't have any difficulty, in following Jesus as a role model: a Savior who was executed as a humiliated criminal. That's not exactly a strong point to use as leverage.

Paul put it this way in writing to the Corinthian church:
"2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, 4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God."
(1 Corinthians 2:2–5, 2 Corinthians 2:2-5, New American Standard 1995) 

Paul said this as an itinerant preacher, but there's a principle for us, regardless of our vocation. This passage isn't saying that we don't need job training, that we don't need to maintain our health, or that being incapacitated is a virtue.

At the same time, whenever we feel weak, afraid or inadequate, we shouldn't deny or hide it. Rather, we should embrace the opportunity to let God's power to enable us to serve others. Because when they see that the power comes from God instead of us... guess what! He gets the credit! (Matthew 5:16).

Father, I don't know why I try so hard to act like everything is under control. Forgive my self-sufficient pride and give me the humility to enjoy the fact that Your power shows up best when I'm weak*. In the name of Jesus the Crucified, Amen.
*2 Corinthians 12:9-10