Jun. 22, 2009
Seeking the Truth to Know Him
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How many of you want to be weak? Our culture/world views weakness as something not good. No one wants weak tea or coffee. No one wants to be the weak player on the team. But did you know that the Bible says that weakness is good.
Read II Corinthians 12:1-10
Paul had a reason to think of himself as special - caught up to heaven and given special revelations.
But God made sure that Paul would remain humble. A "thorn in the flesh" came into his life, a messenger from Satan. This could have been a physical ailment, maybe false teachers, or even division in the church. Notice that even though it was from Satan, it was part of the direct purpose of God. Paul prayed for relief but this was not in God's purpose and plan. Paul found himself in a situation that was testing him significantly. Have you ever found yourself in that place?
"my grace is sufficient for you" God is the source of grace. Grace is God's favor on His children which expresses itself as the sufficient supply/resource for the need. Hebrews 4:16 It is sufficient, all you need.
"power is perfected in weakness" Perfected carries the idea of fulfilled or realized. Paul boasts in his weakness. When we experience situations that reveal how weak we are, it opens the door for the power of God to be demonstrated.
"so that the power of Christ may dwell in me"
The Christian walk is to be one of complete weakness. Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:2-4
Weakness brings dependence, trust, reliance. We do not live for God, Christ lives in us and through us. He does not help us. He is the very life in us.
God's desire is not for relief but for resilience, perserverance. When we see our weakness and Christ's sufficiency in us, then we can rely on Him, and His power and life will be manifested. Weakness becomes strength.
"well content"
Paul saw the purpose that God had in these things that would expose his need. He was content with them because God could use them powerfully in him. Are we ready to be content in things that expose our weakness? If we do it can be the stimulus, the avenue for the power of the life of Christ to be revealed in us.
This is a devotional email from my husband, Mark. If you would like to be put on a list to recieve them, just let me know. |
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Aug. 3, 2009 - Untitled Comment
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