“Weakness turned to Strength
God spoke through the Prophet Isaiah and said, “My ways are not your ways, My thoughts are higher than your thoughts.” Therefore we are going to read and see things in the scriptures that may not make sense from a human perspective. When I personally think about this it makes me glad. I wouldn’t want to serve a God that I could understand or thinks like me. (We would all be in a lot of trouble!!)
When we talk about the Lord’s strength and having courage, today’s scripture must be included. We get a small glimpse into the life of the Apostle Paul and realize that he struggled at times too. One of the greatest lies of the enemy; “If you were more faithful, trusting, obedient, walking closer to the Lord you would not be struggling.” Before we move forward this could be true, many times our struggles do come from our own lack of faith, trust or obedience. But other times you could be doing everything right and still be struggling. Either way today’s word is for you!!
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 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. 10 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.
In verse 17 we are told that Paul was given a thorn in his flesh, a messenger from satan to torment him to keep him from becoming proud. The Apostle Paul was faithful doing the work of the Lord. The Lord knows that many times success can lead to pride therefore He gave Paul a thorn to prevent pride. I love the fact that the thorn is not named, it could be any kind of struggle. God will put us in the fire to help keep us focused on Him! I am reminded of the words spoken by the Apostle Peter, “don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through as if something strange were happening.”
Three different times Paul prays for the Lord to remove the thorn. God says no, but He assures Paul that His grace is sufficient. Let’s be honest no one really wants to hear that word, NO. This is when the enemy really begins to apply pressure in our lives. “If God loves you why would He allow you to suffer?” “Why would a loving, gracious and giving Father say no?” We all have heard these lies in times of difficulties. But we must trust in the Lord’s promises! He told Paul and He tells all of us, “My grace is sufficient, My power works best in weakness.” We must trust in God’s love towards us and believe that His plan and ways are best. When we trust in the Lord’s faithfulness We can rejoice and give thanks!
My friends, regardless of your circumstances the Lord is with you. He is working all things for good for everyone who loves Him and called according to His purpose. Stop trying to understand it and just let God do His perfect work! Be strong and courageous, the Lord is with you!!
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