Posted on December 10, 2021 by Catey Stover in Victory Call
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 12:9-10)
Our culture does not look favorably upon weakness. Strength, competence and confidence are applauded and rewarded. Does anyone naturally embrace personal weakness? More likely we shrink away from weakness in ourselves.
There are times we know we are in over our heads and then it is a no-brainer to reach out to God and others for help. But, all too often, we PRIMARILY reach out to God when we come to the end of ourselves. How long it takes to get to the end of ourselves varies from person to person. That is looking at it from a human perspective.
Paul sheds a different light upon our weakness. He says he will even boast, BOAST in his weakness. He wrote that he is CONTENT with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. CONTENT. Content and boasting do not naturally belong in the same sentence as weakness, insults and such.
How could Paul boast and be content in trial?
…that the power of Christ may rest upon (him) (parenthesis mine)
What is more attractive to a watching world, our strength or God’s strength?
What glorifies God more – our strength or God’s strength?
What displays His strength and glory more, our strength or our weakness?
Our strength points to us.
Our weakness allows the glories of God to shine most radiantly without blemish or distraction.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us (2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV).
This devotional was taken from America’s Keswick’s “Real Life for Real Victory Volume 3”. If you would like to order a copy of the 365 Devotional book, please call (800) 453-7942.
Written By Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and provides ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Think About This: “Embedded in the larger story of redemption is a principle we must not miss: God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things in the lives of others.” – Paul David Tripp
The Daily Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9 | You can download our 2021 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. –Colossians 3:14-15
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
