April 9, 2014
HIS STRENGTH IS PERFECT, SO WHY DON'T I TRUST HIS WAYS?
2 Corinthians 12:1–10
Angela Andrews
Central Truth
When I try to find life on my own, I lack the power to succeed. I need Christ's strength -- not my own! Following Christ's path is always preferable. He is the only way to find true life.
Key Verse | 2 Corinthians 12:9–10
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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
2 Corinthians 12:1–10
Paul's Visions and His Thorn
1 I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, 1 12:7 Or hears from me, even because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Footnotes
[1] 12:7 Or hears from me, even because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceitedDive Deeper | 2 Corinthians 12:1–10
Even though I selected this passage personally, this is definitely the most difficult devotional that I've ever written. Honestly, I don't like to admit that I struggle with weakness, and it's easy to allow my pride to get in my way.
The Lord has allowed a dichotomy to occur in my life, since I have a platform to speak of Him due to my weakness. As many of you know, I deal with diabetes, blindness, and a kidney transplant. Yet, in the midst of all of this medical junk, others often ask me where my joy comes from. And my joy definitely comes from Jesus Christ, who provides all that I need even if it's not always what I want (Philippians 4:19).
But even in the midst of knowing that God will take care of all my needs, I still often want to do it on my own. And then I'm reminded of Romans 12:1, where I am often one of the "living sacrifices" who keeps trying to crawl off the altar.
Paul discusses these two competing views in Romans 7:14-21, and I often experience the same personal struggle when dealing with sin.
I have found that the only remedy comes through Scripture, specifically Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV 1984): "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." I simply have no power to live this life successfully on my own.
The other thing that helps me follow Christ's teaching when dealing with the temptation to go off on my own is to talk about the truth of God's Word. As an extrovert, the more I talk about something, the more I believe it. So sharing my challenges with those who love and care for me has become an essential part of my life. I have absolutely no idea how I would survive this life without the help of community! Thank you to the many of you who have been involved in that process.
Discussion Questions
1. If you struggle with admitting weakness as I do, who in your life knows and holds you accountable for being honest about weakness? If you don't have people like this, go find a few!
2. If admitting weakness is not your struggle, what is it? Are there friends who know your struggle and are committed to helping you through it? This can be a painful process, but it is well worth the pain.
3. Do you have a verse on the tip of your tongue to help you when you find yourself in the midst of struggle? If so, then review it regularly. If not, go find one and memorize it!