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
These past few months I’ve been weak and tired. Maybe it’s my 15-month-old running around every inch of our house these days, the added responsibilities at work, or the fact that I’m expecting another child. It could be many things. In the times I feel weak, I often look at this as defeat. I want to be strong, but my body won’t let me. I hate being limited by what I can and can’t do. Paul’s words today being me great comfort, “My grace is sufficient for you, my 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.”
I have realized that in my weakness there is strength. It is through this time of weakness that the power of Christ somehow, miraculously, strangely, dwells within me in a new way. This is something that I can point to, something I can boast about. Even in my weakness, God is creating something wonderful and miraculous that will be His witness for years to come.
Prayer
Lord, may your power dwell within us, giving us strength to be your witness everywhere we go. Amen.