2 Corinthians 12:8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
We all have our struggles and burdens…days, weeks, months that are just hard. This morning has me thinking about how God uses other people in our lives–to show His love, grace, compassion, encouragement. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up….” I think community, coming together to support and uplift each other, is an important part of God’s kingdom on earth.
2 Corinthians 12:9a But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
I appreciate my ability to be self-sufficient, to take care of myself and others, to get things done. But even I need people, and for someone who is used to DOING, it is hard to sit back and receive encouragement and support. But I think that’s part of what Paul is talking about here–my weakness means I’m not completely self-sufficient. God’s grace means I’m not meant to be. As a believer in Christ, *I* am part of His power on earth for others. And *I* am also in need of that support.
2 Corinthians 12:9b …Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Lord, No one likes the idea of being weak, but in You, the ability to admit that I cannot do life alone, that I need other believers–so that I can uplift and encourage them and so that they can uplift and encourage me–that ability, that admission, is a strength because it frees me from the need to try to shoulder the world alone. Thank You, not only for the people that I get to love, pray for, and encourage, but for the people who love, pray for, and encourage me as well. Amen.
2 Corinthians 12:10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Have a blessed day.
As I read your devotion this morning, I am reminded as always that God hears the cries of my heart. I could easily tag your devotion as Beth aka Melissa. Of course, HE gives you more eloquent words than I might use. I am thankful for HIS reminders through your devotion. I, too, am thankful for the many for which I can pray and do. I am thankful for the multitude of people that we know and do not know that have been used to pray for and do for us. My hard-head wants to be able to do more to glorify HIM through my service, but HE always brings me back to a place where HE reminds me that I am one in HIS family of believers and warriors. That is more than enough. Thank you. Have a blessed day.