Title: Embracing Strength in Weakness.

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (NIV)

2 Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Devotional: In this passage, Paul shares profound insights about the interplay between human weakness and divine strength. These verses invite us to embrace our weaknesses and lean on God's grace, recognizing that His power is most evident when we acknowledge our limitation.

Paul speaks of extraordinary spiritual experiences, including being "caught up to the third heaven." He humbly refrains from boasting about these experiences, emphasizing that they are not the foundation of his ministry or faith. This reminds us that spiritual experiences, while significant, should not be our primary focus. Instead, our relationship with God and His grace should be at the center.  In Romans 12:3 the bible says - "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”

  Paul mentions a "thorn in the flesh," a persistent struggle or affliction. Despite pleading with the Lord to remove it, Paul receives a profound response: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." This teaches us that our struggles and weaknesses can serve a divine purpose, keeping us humble and dependent on God's grace. In the book of James 1:2-4 the bible says we should - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." In other words if we stand firm in faith when trouble visits we will at the end become mature in faith.

We should boasting in our weaknesses rather than gnashing our teeth. We see Paul embraces his weaknesses, understanding that they allow Christ's power to rest on him. By acknowledging our vulnerabilities and limitations, we create space for God's strength to work through us. This counterintuitive approach challenges the world's view of strength and success, redirecting our focus to God's sufficiency. This is why Paul was able to say in Philippians 4:13- "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Can you say that?

  Finally, Paul finds joy in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties, for it is in these moments that God's strength is most evident. This perspective encourages us to view our challenges as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness in our lives. We should embrace the promise of God in Isaiah 40:29-31 - "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." May God give us strength and power in Jesus’ name.

Conclusion and Prayer:

As we meditate on these verses, let us embrace our weaknesses and trust in God's grace. Remember that His power is made perfect in our limitations, and through Him, we can find true strength.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your sufficient grace and the strength You provide in our weaknesses. Help us to embrace our vulnerabilities and rely on Your power. May we find joy in our challenges, knowing that they are opportunities for Your strength to be revealed. Guide us to live each day with humility and trust in Your unfailing love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 May this reflection guide you through the day, filling you with hope and confidence in God's enduring grace and power.

Please share your thoughts and testimonies with me at gbemide09@gmail.com. Feel free to share this with your contacts.

©Dr Joel Olanrewaju.