On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 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. So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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 12:5-10
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Real maturity is to see God’s perspective. But… when we receive His revelation, we often become an easy target for the enemy to ‘puff us up’ and we begin to ‘think more of ourselves than we ought’. (Romans 12:3) Humility is such a character trait need within our souls. Pride enters so easily into our lives. How do we stay aware of this need for humility? Paul had a ‘thorn’ given to him for this very purpose. The older I get the more my ‘flesh’ becomes a hindrance to my abilities. The longing for the time to be reunited physically with Christ in heaven grows day by day. Our weakness(es) should point us constantly and directly to Him. Do we really understand when Jesus says, “My power is made perfect in weakness.”? When Jesus moves through me now …it is SO obvious it is NOT me doing anything! I can NOT take credit for ANYTHING Jesus has given me… it is ALL by His grace and love for me.
Do you have a nagging health issue or physical disability that keeps you hindered from doing what you want? Is His grace really enough for you … to see you through your day? Can Jesus still use you in your ‘state’ of severe weakness? Or are you still focused on yourself and complaining to God? Can I still praise Him – when my weakness is SO evident and giving me ‘problems’? Can I still hear Him when my weakness is nagging loudly, and all I want to do is placate myself and find comfort? Can I still obey Him in those times and actually do the work He is asking of me, in the midst of my weakness?
God does actually work through ‘cracked pots’. We all are broken, and need His grace. It is that grace of His … that makes us possible. I really am just a ‘sinner’ saved by His grace. I have no real strength or health other than what He has provided me. Can I use the ‘little’ that I have to praise Him by offering it to Him joyfully – even though it seems like nothing? He can use that ‘nothing’ we give Him!!! The Creator takes our ‘simple’ heart offering and makes something beautiful out of it.
Jesus… You really are the center of my joy!