“When I am weak then I am strong.” A first look at the aforementioned quote from 2 Corinthians 12:10 sounds like an oxymoron. You are either weak or strong, but not both.

However, when you read the preceding verses of that chapter of the Bible and the first part of verse 10, it gives a clearer picture as to why Paul could boldly say that when he is weak, then he is strong. A statement that seems contradictory suddenly blooms with inspiration.

There is this drug called Clopidogrel that is used majorly for the prevention of heart attacks and stroke in patients who are at high risk of experiencing these events. Clopidogrel (which goes under the brand name Plavix) is a potent antiplatelet, that is, it prevents the aggregation of platelets to form a clot.

Despite how powerful Clopidogrel is, it is however a prodrug. This means that clopidogrel itself is inactive, so it’s unable to give rise to its antiplatelet effects. For the antiaggregating effect to set in, it must be biotransformed (metabolised) by the liver into the active metabolite.

Metabolism by the liver generally signifies the cessation of the function of many drugs. When a drug is metabolised by the liver, that drug is converted into components that are on their way to being eliminated from the body. It’s a mechanism that the body puts in place to detoxify itself of these drugs. The products of this metabolic process do not retain the pharmacological effect of the original drug in many cases.

In the case of clopidogrel, however, the metabolism that takes place in the liver, which is the lowest moment of the drug, transforms it into something that is pharmacologically useful – the strongest moment of the drug. The weakening process of the liver ends up making it therapeutically useful and strong. The weakest moment of metabolism becomes its strongest moment of action.

So, when Apostle Paul said that his weakest moment could be his strongest, he intended to say that the metabolic events such as infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses for Christ’s sake help him to fully tap into the power of God which makes him strong. And because God’s power never diminishes, Paul is assured of unfailing strength even when the body is strained by life’s troubles.

Dear reader, the challenges that threaten our lives could be the metabolism we need to become actively useful. The difficulties that want to destroy us can bring out the strength in us. Not because we have a reservoir of strength tucked away in some corner of our bowel, but because we can tap into the unlimited strength that God makes available at our lowest moments.

Your weakest moment can be your strongest. God’s grace is sufficient, and his strength is made perfect in your weakness.