How many of us can appreciate having an uncomfortable situation that we just have to trust God to solve or bring us out? Our weakness
This is not a comfortable position to be in, I hate those “don’t know” or “why is this happening” moments. My nature is of such that I always, at all times want to know how to handle a situation or problem when it confronts me. 11 Corinthians 12:7 talks about a thorn given to Paul in the flesh to buffet him, less he should become conceited. This thorn was placed in his flesh, a messenger of Satan, to buffet him. Paul pleaded with God three times to take it away from him but instead, God’s response to Paul’s dilemma was, my grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:7-9).
Does God take pleasure in our demise or distress? His strength is perfect
After God’s response, Paul took a different posture, instead of becoming depressed, angry and frustrated, he boasted all the more about his weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon him. Thus, Paul said, “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.” This was a wake up moment for Paul, because when he realized that God was not going to change the situation, he knew at that point he needed to totally depend on God to sustain him in times of weakness. The point here, is not God’s desire to allow unpleasant things to happen to us, but more so our response to the situation. God will never do anything to destroy us, Paul could obviously still have a good quality life with the thorn in his flesh and so will we. Some things might not change like we want it but rest assure that God will never put us in a compromising position where we constantly fail. Our moment of weakness, becomes God’s opportunity to perfect his strength in us.
How can these things be applied in everyday matters?
Do you feel weak and powerless, as if you are going under, then call upon Jesus, his grace is sufficient for you. Your weakness is not a signal of hopelessness, because Christ dwells in you. He is the hope of glory, therefore, you are full of hope, even when it seems hopeless. His strength is made perfect in your weakness. Whatever your weaknesses turn out to be, it is important to understand that the same grace that saved you, is the same grace that is well able to sustain you, heal you, deliver you, and direct you.
Therefore like Paul, glory in your weaknesses, so that the power of Christ will be made perfect in your weakness. For when you are weak, then He is strong.
As you go through this week just remember to pray with “God confidence” focusing on His strength and not on your weaknesses.
Advancing the Kingdom of God in the earth!