2 Corinthians 12:2-10 (NRSV)
Read 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 on biblegateway.com
Verse 2I know a person 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. Verse 3And I know that such a person-whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows- Verse 4was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. Verse 5On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Verse 6But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, Verse 7even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Verse 8Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, Verse 9but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Verse 10Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
Devotion
I was raised to be a strong, independent woman. I don't just believe—I know—that I can do anything. In the first few years of my marriage (okay, still) I struggled to let my husband help me with anything. But, as I tried to do all things and be all things for all people at all times and never require any help, I found myself stressed and exhausted. Through some sage counsel I began to ask my husband to do things for me, not because I couldn't do them, but because it brought him joy to help me. I slowly realized that in allowing him to help me I was happier, less stressed and had more to give. Paul had to learn a similar lesson, that when he put his trust, hope, and strength in God he was stronger and more effective in his ministry. In our culture this is not an easy concept to understand. We need to grow in awareness that in putting our trust and strength and hope in God we are stronger, we are better, we are more hopeful.
Prayer
God, help us this day and every day to put aside our need to be independent and self-made, and to put our trust and faith in you to lead us and guide us, to lighten our burden and to increase our joy. Amen.