2 Corinthians 12 - 11.20.24

Scripture

2 Corinthians 12:9: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Observation

Prior to verse 9, Paul says that he was given a thorn in his flesh to keep him from becoming conceited. Or in other words, for attributing success to his own efforts instead of giving the glory to God. He asked God to take the thorn away, but the response was no – for my power is shown in your weakness. Through our weakness, God shows himself faithful to us as we depend on him. Through our weakness, God reveals his power. Through acknowledging our weakness, we acknowledge that God is in control. Through acknowledging our weakness, we are a witness to others of what God has done.

Application

We all have certain gifts and talents. And if we allow him to, God uses them for his glory. But when things come naturally to us, or things are going our way, we tend to think of that as the norm instead of giving God the glory. We might fall into the trap of thinking we’ve earned whatever success we encounter.

But when we have weaknesses or encounter trials, we are forced to depend on God. We are forced to acknowledge our dependence on him and his power and faithfulness. When he shows up, we, and others, know that it was God’s power at work – not ours. His power is on display for all to see. What better way to spread the word of God’s faithfulness and powerfulness than through our stories?

Psalm 96:3 “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples!”

So Paul says, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Prayer

Father, your grace is sufficient for me. Please use me for your glory in all my weakness. Let your power rest on me.

- Debbie Dunn