Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
It seems so ridiculous to me, this concept of taking pleasure in weakness. It’s a foreign concept to our human nature and the culture we live in. One of the worst things about being ill and disabled is that we gain more and more weakness every day. Physically, emotionally, mentally, and sometimes it feels like even spiritually.
But Jesus… here’s that topsy-turvy beauty again. You see, those things that we feel are obvious failures, those things we’d most like to patch up and gloss over and hide from the world, those re the ones that showcase how the power of Christ can work through me. THIS is where the pleasure comes in. Our weaknesses are actually our strength, because in reality any strength we truly have is only in Christ to begin with.
For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. – 2 Corinthians 4:6-7
We don’t even have to guess what the great power is…..
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. – 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
Heaven knows I’d be crushed without Him. For certain, we’d be driven to despair. The hunting wouldn’t end well. And oh, how many times now would I have been destroyed? Instead, we showcase life… eternal life.
And so…
That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Sounds like an invitation to surrender. How will you answer?
Holy Lord, may I only boast in You. Thank You for the thorns which keep me from pride, remind me to lean, and grant me focus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
