Victory In Weakness
"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." - 2 Corinthians 12:9
Paul had a thorn in the flesh - some weakness or limitation that he desperately wanted God to remove. Three times he pleaded for healing, and three times God said no. But God's refusal came with a promise: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
This seems backwards to our way of thinking. We believe that strength comes from strength, that power comes from power. But God's kingdom operates on different principles. Sometimes our greatest weakness becomes the place where His strength is most clearly displayed.
The resurrection is the ultimate example of this principle. Jesus' greatest moment of apparent weakness - His death on the cross - became His greatest victory. What looked like defeat was actually triumph. What appeared to be the end was actually the beginning.
I think about my own weaknesses and limitations. There are areas where I have prayed for change, begged for healing, and pleaded for strength, only to hear God's gentle "no." At first, I was frustrated and confused. But over time, I have learned that some of my greatest ministry effectiveness has come through my weaknesses, not despite them.
When I am weak, people can see that any good that comes through me must be from God. When I am limited, I am forced to depend on His unlimited power. When I am broken, His healing becomes more evident to others who are struggling with similar brokenness.
Maybe you have been asking God to remove a weakness, heal a limitation, or change a circumstance that makes you feel vulnerable. Perhaps God's answer has been "no," and you are wondering why. Consider the possibility that He wants to display His power through your weakness rather than removing it.
The resurrection reminds us that God's power is not limited by our limitations. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead can work mightily through our weaknesses. Your thorn in the flesh might be the very thing God uses to demonstrate His grace to others.
What weakness or limitation have you been asking God to remove? How might He want to display His power through that weakness instead?
All-powerful God, thank You that Your power is made perfect in my weakness. Help me to stop seeing my limitations as obstacles and start seeing them as opportunities for You to work. When I am weak, help me to boast in Your strength. Use my thorns in the flesh to display Your grace to others. In Your sufficient name, Amen.
Paul had a thorn in the flesh - some weakness or limitation that he desperately wanted God to remove. Three times he pleaded for healing, and three times God said no. But God's refusal came with a promise: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
This seems backwards to our way of thinking. We believe that strength comes from strength, that power comes from power. But God's kingdom operates on different principles. Sometimes our greatest weakness becomes the place where His strength is most clearly displayed.
The resurrection is the ultimate example of this principle. Jesus' greatest moment of apparent weakness - His death on the cross - became His greatest victory. What looked like defeat was actually triumph. What appeared to be the end was actually the beginning.
I think about my own weaknesses and limitations. There are areas where I have prayed for change, begged for healing, and pleaded for strength, only to hear God's gentle "no." At first, I was frustrated and confused. But over time, I have learned that some of my greatest ministry effectiveness has come through my weaknesses, not despite them.
When I am weak, people can see that any good that comes through me must be from God. When I am limited, I am forced to depend on His unlimited power. When I am broken, His healing becomes more evident to others who are struggling with similar brokenness.
Maybe you have been asking God to remove a weakness, heal a limitation, or change a circumstance that makes you feel vulnerable. Perhaps God's answer has been "no," and you are wondering why. Consider the possibility that He wants to display His power through your weakness rather than removing it.
The resurrection reminds us that God's power is not limited by our limitations. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead can work mightily through our weaknesses. Your thorn in the flesh might be the very thing God uses to demonstrate His grace to others.
What weakness or limitation have you been asking God to remove? How might He want to display His power through that weakness instead?
All-powerful God, thank You that Your power is made perfect in my weakness. Help me to stop seeing my limitations as obstacles and start seeing them as opportunities for You to work. When I am weak, help me to boast in Your strength. Use my thorns in the flesh to display Your grace to others. In Your sufficient name, Amen.
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8 Comments
God has continually provided for me in many ways. So much so that now people tend to think I have had something to do with all these wonderful things that have happened. He created this amazing life for me and I treasure it so much. But I can tell that most people just see a different explanation. They see oh it’s the job. I want that job. They think that they will get this life then. The truth is it isn’t the job, and it isn’t me. Every single day I pray for God to help me. I do a lot of what the Bible tells me to do. Like praying for wisdom and truth. It says He gives generously to all who ask regardless of righteousness. Well that was a no brainer lol. Lemme get some of that. And this life while we have what appears to be material riches is really just God providing wisdom to us through love and joy. Self sacrifice for each other. My cup runneth over right? The spirit of service starts in our own homes and families the truth is I struggle so much with not being a a*hole. It’s Gods grace alone that even gets me by. Thank you for this. It has come up for me many times when I ask for some of my flaws to be removed. And here it is again. Thank you God. You are worthy of all my praise and gratitude.
Amen!! Pastor Ed thank you for being you!!! One of the reasons I’m attend CBC is because of your honesty about your life and what you have been through. It’s clear that what you consider weakness is how God has used you to build such an awesome ministry. You through the power of Gods word and love keep us encouraged and give us the hope we need in Christ to live another day!!! Some pastors keep their lives so private you would think they were born saved. I’m grateful and honored to sit in such a great ministry. God has always had his hand on you and always will. Thank you for your obedience unto the Lord in spite of pain. Blessings sir to you and your family!!!
I can’t explain how God has done for me every single time at my lowest. Everything I’ve been through and even now at this present moment. I know he is greater than anyone or anything.
nHe is amazing grace strength love kind and patient.
nAmen ??
I have asked my Lord to heal me, remove my son where he is being poisoned I have Faith my Lord that You are working on this??I will sit here in the back seat while You drive me around, “The same power that raised Jesus from the dead CAN work mighty through our weakness “.
nThank You Lord for blessing my children, in The Mighty Name of Jesus I pray. Amen
nThank You Lord For Pastor Ed and his beautiful Words that he shares with us every morning.
nIf You Lord did it for Leila why not Eric and me? ??????
amén!
I ask for strength when I fall into depression. Strength to stop drinking alcohol. I continue to pray but I keep falling. Please lord give me strength!
Amen
Pastor Ed, your encouragement thru Gods words mean so much to me and have done so much in my daily life. Your sermons are so alive and refreshing, eye opening, tremendous, and always amazing. I pray for my family and children, may they seek Gods words one day! I have faith the day is coming that they hear the good news!
nThank you for being you! And all you do!! Amen??