but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NABRE
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a community with many challenges. Paul is addressing some of the concerns he has heard including missionaries who have come to the community criticizing Paul. Paul dubs them “superapostles” and writes to convince the community that his manner of being an apostle not theirs authentically proclaims Christ. Paul speaks about boasting and calling it foolish particularly when boasting about the flesh, claiming we deserve credit for our accomplishments without considering God’s role in success. Paul could boast because of special encounters with God. Instead Paul speaks of his weakness. He claims that he struggles seemingly daily. Paul asked God three times to remove this struggle, that he calls “a thorn in the flesh.” God’s response is the quoted verse, God’s grace is enough and power is made perfect in weakness. When we have God adding power to ours, we become perfect in what we are able to accomplish. So Paul boasts of this weakness saying thanks to this weakness Christ dwells in him. Paul’s boast is of Christ is an example for all followers; always point to Jesus and never self.
Paul exist to bring people to Jesus. Even bragging about his weakness so that others may do that same. When we think we are in control of everything, we don’t turn to Jesus for help, convinced we are powerful. This leads to pride and our downfall. Look at your weakness as a tool to deepen your dependence on Jesus and add his power to yours for the work of the kingdom.
What are your flaws and weaknesses? Do you see these weaknesses as a means to invoke God’s power?
When we think we are in control of everything, we don’t turn to Jesus for help, convinced we are powerful. This leads to pride and our downfall. Look at your weakness as a tool to deepen your dependence on Jesus and add his power to… Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybibleverse @youversion #weakness#grace #boast #paul #everybodyalways#god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture#bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer#goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat#bocaraton #youversion #everythingalways