There’s a story of a young girl who signed up for a swimming race, even though she could barely stay afloat. Halfway through the pool, she began to panic and flail—but just before she went under, her coach stepped in. He didn’t rescue her with shame. Instead, he whispered, “You’re not failing—you’re learning. Let my strength steady you.”

Sometimes, we think weakness disqualifies us. But according to Paul, our weakness is the very place God’s power shows up most clearly.