2 Corinthians 12: 7b-10 (NRSV): Our Weakness is His Strength

2 Corinthians 12: 7b-10 (NRSV): Our Weakness is His Strength

Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me,  but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

Comment:

Many times, our weaknesses cause us irritation, and with the despairing cry of Paul, we pray for God’s deliverance. But life is not that easy.  As people faithful in Christ, we sometimes wonder why God has permitted our pain. Here, Paul gives us the answer: Jesus Christ’s “power is made perfect in [our] weakness.”  We must, however, honestly proclaim our weaknesses so “that the power of Christ may dwell in [us].” Can we “boast all the more gladly of [our] weaknesses” and be “content with weaknesses … for the sake of Christ”? That, friends, is the challenge. Through faith and God's grace, it is a challenge we can accomplish. Paul's closing words resonate with reality.  When we are weak, battered, exhausted, and at our wit's end, Christ is strongest in us. Jesus wants us to always rely on him, especially in our trying times.