Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 12
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.
Paul heard some things that he was not permitted to utter. He was caught up to the third heaven and he was not sure exactly how it happened. He was not sure if it was a vision or if it was an actual journey he took in the body. However, he said that what he heard was revelation from God and it was not lawful for him to utter what he heard. Isn’t it interesting that today there is a new book out about every year or so about someone who went to heaven? When they come back they tell us all they saw and heard. However, Paul was not permitted to.
As a matter of fact, so that he would not be exalted above measure, he was given a thorn in the flesh. He calls this a messenger of Satan that buffeted him. What was this thorn? Speculations abound, but if you take messenger literally, it is possibly the Judiazers who continually followed Paul and tried to put the Gentile believers under the Law of Moses. Whatever it was, Paul prayed asking God to remove it and his answer was verse 9!
God’s grace is sufficient. His strength is made perfect in weakness. You and I can learn a lot from this. When we are weak, God is strong. When we are out of resources, he has an abundant supply. When we can go on no longer, he has all the energy we need. Paul’s conclusion then is to glory in infirmities. Infirmities are weaknesses, sickness, disease or frailty. Maladies of the physical body are infirmities. Paul says when we are plagued with these limiting things; the power of Christ can rest upon us. We can’t; but he can!
Is it a challenge for you to think like Paul? Do you need to rethink the physical difficulties we all experience in life? All the things that limit us are opportunities for God to show himself strong on our behalf. His grace is sufficient for all the difficulties we face. Simply trust him! Rely upon his grace and give him glory for the Mighty God that he is!
In Christ,
Rody
