~ GOD WILL HELP YOU WHEN YOU ARE WEAK.
We all experience weaknesses and life challenges in our Christian walk. Depending on the intensity of a weakness in our lives, we can bounce back, learn from it, and move on.
However, certain weaknesses could linger on for a long time, somewhat difficult to remove, and have become a weakness for us.
Such was the situation with Apostle Paul. We read in 2nd Corinthians 12: 7
Paul said:
“Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important,
a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself!”
He recognized his weakness. He dealt with it by praying and talking to God about it
In 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 AMP
Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; but He has said to me,
My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.”
Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.”
God’s denial of Paul’s request for healing turned out to be a blessing in the apostle’s life. However, the thorn had a purpose. One commentary explains that the thorn “kept Paul from imagining himself as a spiritual superman.
Because of the power of God in Paul, he continued in verse 10…
“So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].”
2 Corinthians 12:10 .
Beloved, I submit to you that God’s power in Paul, which turned his weakness into strength, is also available to us in our weaknesses.
God has the power to turn our weaknesses into strengths when we
Petition His throne of grace and pour out our hearts to God. He invites us.
Wait on Him work in us so that our weaknesses are turned into strengths as the power of Christ rests on us.
Hebrews 4:16 AMP “Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”
A couple of other examples of God’s strength in human weakness are:
Gideon’s story in Judges 6:14-16 proves that God can accomplish great things through people who forget about their human weaknesses, trust in God’s strength, and obey His guidance
And, of course, our most notable biblical example, Jesus Christ, was “crucified in weakness” but “now lives by the power of God” (2 Corinthians 13:4).
2 Corinthians 13:4 AMP tells us “For even though He was crucified in weakness [yielding Himself], yet He lives [resurrected] by the power of God [His Father]. For we too are weak in Him [as He was humanly weak], yet we are alive and well [in fellowship] with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.”
NOW LET US PRAY
Loving God, thank You for Your power to turn our weaknesses into strengths because Your grace is sufficient for us in Christ. I thank You for the invitation to come boldly to the throne of grace and obtain mercy. Personally, I am in awe of how Your grace and mercy have turned some of my weaknesses into strengths. Lord, I am still a work in progress in Your hand. Help those in our group who need to experience Your power to turn their weaknesses into strength. Abide with us today. Protect us and our loved ones from the wickedness of the wicked. In Jesus’ matchless name, I pray. Amen.
Have a blessed day