Paul tells us, “The extraordinary level of the revelations I’ve received is no reason for anyone to exalt me. For this is why a thorn in my flesh was given to me, the Adversary’s messenger sent to harass me, keeping me from becoming arrogant. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this. But He answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment – when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ – I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.” – 2Corinthians 12:7-10
This section of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth is such an encouragement to me. Paul seems to hold a perspective that can only come from God. His desire to be freed from whatever it was that was tormenting him, brought him to his knees over and over seeking God for help. It brings a revelation that sometimes God appears to be more interested in changing us than to giving us what it is we’ve been praying for. As though, through our lack or our need, the struggle that is upon us is something He can use – that what is meant to harm us in some form, can be used to make us strong.
God doesn’t expect us to be strong on our own. He expects us to be dependant. He hasn’t left us to figure it out on our own. Through His Word and His Spirit, He equips us with everything that we need. Because He knows what we need and when we need it.
Our dependency on Him changes us. As we surrender control over to Him, our faith in Him grows. Our faith increases as we choose to continually depend on Him. It’s a spiritual practice we face daily. The more we know Him, the more we trust Him, the more we can focus on His strength instead of our weakness.
Let’s allow our weakness to be a portal to God’s power, working in and through us, each and every day. Amen? Amen.
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