Scripture - 2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Observation

Paul lived an amazing life as a zealous messenger for the gospel, giving his life so that people would hear the good news of Christ. Yet, he has an unnamed recurring problem that he begged the Lord to take away.

But the Lord didn’t do as Paul requested. Instead, he said "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

After the third request, Paul understood. He revelled in his weakness, for when he was weak, the Lord’s power was evident, resting on him, with free reign to accomplish more than Paul could ask or imagine.

Application

When I am operating in my own mission and vision, I can do that in my own strength, using the strength and abilities that God has given. I am self sufficient. I can survive. Sometimes, I can accomplish much. And when I struggle, like Paul, I ask, perhaps even beg, God to help me.

But God has a greater purpose, a greater vision in mind. Jesus came, He died and was buried, and He rose again. That same power that raised Him can rest on me, so that I don’t just exist but can thrive in the abundant life He gives.

Christ didn’t do what He did so I can merely survive the world. He wants to change the world through those who follow Him, like Paul, and amazingly, including me. That I cannot do in my own strength, only when His power is made perfect in my weakness.

Prayer

Lord, I so stubbornly live in my own strength. Help me, like Paul, to get it, to embrace my weakness rather than continuing to strive. May your power can be perfected in my weakness, impacting and changing my world in ways and to extents I cannot even imagine.

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