STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS

2 Corinthians 12:9 “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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.”

Often the world considers trouble to be a terrible intruder into life. For many people the problems of life are viewed as nothing more than minus factors. But the Christian perspective of trouble is not pessimistic. Paul experienced a thorn in the flesh, and this weakness made him strong. He learned how to be strong in the broken places. His weaknesses did not destroy him. With God’s help he gained strength out of his weaknesses. Thus, there seems to be two alternatives: Problems can either keep us down or make us strong. Let us learn from one who was broken and made strong how we may benefit from the weaknesses of life.

The apostle Paul had a great faith in the Lord. His faith was not just an ascent to religious beliefs. His faith was a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. His favorite expression to describe this relationship was "in Christ." Only a genuine faith in God is adequate during the weaknesses of life. Faith is no casual nod to God. It is allowing God to join our lives. The presence of the Lord helps during times of weaknesses.

Paul had other concerns on his mind more than the agonies caused by the thorn. Paul had two overwhelming purposes in his life. First, he wanted every person in his world to accept Jesus Christ as Savior. Second, he wanted every believer to be Christ like in thoughts and actions. Paul refused to let the thorn detour him in his purposes. Being consumed with the larger purposes of life overshadows the weaknesses. A person’s lack of mission forces him or her to focus on selfish discomfort. When we are possessed by a great mission, selfish discomforts will become secondary.

Paul was able to help others because of his thorn in the flesh. He was able to empathize with a greater intensity. He knew what it was to suffer. As he found strength from God during his weaknesses, he told others who were hurting where to find help. People who have been hurt and have been helped prove to be good helpers.

Paul looked beyond the weaknesses to a greater time. The thorn did not cause Paul to have a pessimistic view of life. Instead, in the midst of his weaknesses he loved life. Part of his great love for life was his optimistic view of the future. He believed that God would ultimately remove the thorn. "This mortal nature must put on immortality" (1 Corinthians. 15:53 RSV)

There is a greater hope for believers. The weaknesses of life may last for a lifetime, but they will not last throughout eternity. The believer will receive a body that is immune from physical and emotional disorders.

The weaknesses of life do not have to make us weaker. By God’s help we may gain strength during the times of weaknesses.

Don’t forget that our weaknesses simply serve as a constant reminder that without God, we are nothing. It is his strength that allows us to live, breath, and have our being. So, the next time you feel weak, be thankful that God is strong and that his power strengthens us every day.