Courage | April 12
… though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:6-10
Father, Paul was a lot like us. He wanted to boast of his good works in Your name but he knew that was not Your will. You allowed him to experience many difficulties and You told him it was for his own good.
We too do not always have smooth sailing in our Christian walk. The difference between us and Paul is immense, in terms of outreach and effectiveness, but he too experienced physical weakness and pain. It is his Spiritual strength that captures our attention.
You, at the same time, gave him challenges and successes and taught him and now us, that his successes, even in a weakened physical condition, are proof that You can use anyone, no matter how weak they are as long as they trust in You.
Jesus, we are weak, in so many ways. Here we learn that it is in our recognition of our inadequacies, that You empower us to serve. It is in Your strength that we go forward. How else could it be without our pride becoming a burden? Take away any trace of arrogance in our lives, we pray in Your Holy name, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project
