Monday, August 7
When I am weak…
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12
2 Corinthians 12:7–10 Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me—so that I would not become arrogant. 8 I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
Observation
Paul’s boasting led him to his extraordinary visions and revelations, including being given a vision of heaven. Then he took a sudden turn: “So that I would not become arrogant” (repeated twice for emphasis) he was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to trouble or harass him. We don’t know what it was: a physical illness, persecution, anxiety and depression? But it was severe enough that he prayed three times for the Lord to take it away.
God’s response: “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect (or comes to full strength) in weakness.”
Paul’s response: “If my weakness results in God’s grace and power being greater in my life, then bring it on. I will delight in weakness to have more of His power. When I am weak, then I am strong.”
Application
I am turning 72 this week, and feeling every year of it! It seems that my age is finally catching up with me. Just recently, I’ve noticed a decline in my physical fitness, a lot more aches and pains, weakness, and that I’m moving more like an old man! I’ve even caught my kids watching out for me like I did for Noel. Some of it has been brought on by a knee injury that has made exercise difficult (and thus less desirable)—I’ve got to get that fixed and reverse that trend. I can up my exercise, mind my diet, and improve my condition. But overall, this is the direction my body is heading. It’s inevitable. (I’m not giving in to it—I’ll resist! But nonetheless, while resistance can slow decline, it can’t eliminate it completely.)
All that to say: I want to follow Paul’s example and glory in my weakness as a way to receive God’s grace in greater measure. When I feel weakness or pain, whether physical or mental, I want to turn to Jesus and receive His grace and power. Don’t complain—delight! God is at work, even in my weakness.
Saturday night we went to Leslie McAuley’s ordination celebration. Rodney paid her a beautiful tribute that included singing some songs to her. One was “Jesus You are the Center of my Joy.” The Lord spoke to me: I want Jesus to be the center of my joy. It’s been a difficult season and my joy has flagged. But I know it’s possible to “rejoice in the Lord” in any season—even seasons of weakness, troubles and difficulties.
When I am weak, then I am strong!
Prayer: Lord, I love You. I rejoice this morning in my weakness, my pain, my troubles and difficulties, knowing that Your grace is enough, and Your power is made perfect in my weakness. I rejoice in You.
More: Jeremiah 13-14, Revelation 10