Thursday, July 14, 2011

He Is Strong In Our Weakness


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.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.   ~2 Corinthians 8-10

Feelings of weakness and vulnerability are very difficult for me to handle.  I want to feel on top of my game, like I have things under control!  In the above passage the apostle Paul is talking about the "thorn" that God left him with.  Many speculate as to what that thorn might be, but one thing is clear.  It left him weak, taught Him to depend on God in a whole different way, and to always know how small he was and how large God is.  It gave him humility.

What does this mean to you and I?  What did it mean to Paul, who was one of God's chosen ones?  Although I do not have to choose to wear a label, I believe God wants me to be transparent, to let people see the weaknesses I want so much to cover up.  I think there is no better testimony to others of the power of Christ than for people to see him working in our lives, and yes in our weakness, in which He is strong.

What do you think?