Don’t Hide

Recently at Student Life, our church’s youth program, we were studying 2 Corinthians 12:7–9. In this passage, Paul talks about having a “thorn in his side”—something he desperately wanted God to take away.

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians 12:8–9

Paul didn’t understand why God would allow this struggle to remain. It exposed his weakness. It humbled him. And yet, instead of hiding it, Paul made a bold statement—he chose to boast in his weakness because it allowed God’s grace to shine even more.

That hit me.

During our discussion, we asked the students a simple question: What would you do if a classmate came up to you and started sharing insecurities, anxieties, or struggles?

A lot of their responses caught me off guard. Some said they would think, “Are you looking for attention?” or “Do you want a pity party?”

And honestly… that hurt my heart more than I expected.

Because it revealed something deeper. It showed how much the world has taught us to view vulnerability as weakness. It showed how the enemy has twisted our thinking into believing that struggles should be hidden, not shared. That if we’re not strong all the time, something is wrong with us.

But that’s not what God teaches us.

We live in a “fake it till you make it” culture. Smile through the pain. Hide the insecurity. Push down the anxiety. Don’t let anyone see the cracks.

But Paul teaches the opposite.

He reminds us that our weaknesses are not something to be ashamed of—they are opportunities for God’s strength to be revealed.

And if I’m being honest, I struggle with this too.

I find myself comparing my life, my appearance, my calling, even my walk with God to others. And every time I compare, insecurity tries to creep in. It’s subtle, but it builds. And before I know it, I’m questioning parts of myself that God intentionally created.

But here’s the truth I have to come back to:

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:14)

God didn’t accidentally create any part of us. Not our personalities. Not our struggles. Not even the areas we wish were different.

We are all made uniquely—and that means what I may see as a flaw in myself might be something someone else admires… or even something God is using for a greater purpose.

So instead of hiding our weaknesses, what if we owned them?

What if, instead of shrinking back when something highlights our insecurity, we stood firm in knowing who created us?

What if we stopped trying to be perfect in the world’s eyes and started embracing being whole in God’s eyes?

Because His grace really is enough.

You don’t have to pretend.
You don’t have to hide.
You don’t have to “fix” yourself before coming to God.

Be bold in who you are.
Embrace how God created you—flaws and all.

Because the truth is, the God who is perfect… made you.

And in His eyes, you are already enough.

God’s Love and Mine,

Carrie