Read 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

Wednesday

Read 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

2 I know a certain Christian man who fourteen years ago was snatched up to the highest heaven (I do not know whether this actually happened or whether he had a vision—only God knows). 3-4 I repeat, I know that this man was snatched to Paradise (again, I do not know whether this actually happened or whether it was a vision—only God knows), and there he heard things which cannot be put into words, things that human lips may not speak. 5 So I will boast about this man—but I will not boast about myself, except the things that show how weak I am. 6 If I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will not boast, because I do not want any of you to have a higher opinion of me than you have as a result of what you have seen me do and heard me say.

7 But to keep me from being puffed up with pride because of the many wonderful things I saw, I was given a painful physical ailment, which acts as Satan's messenger to beat me and keep me from being proud. 8 Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked him to take it away. 9 But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. 10 I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Think

Paul speaks of high spiritual experiences but he also reminds us of his frailty, 'a thorn in his flesh' each of us - as beautiful as we might be in some or other area of our lives - is broken in others.  And that is alright.  God says to each of us: "My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.”

Pray

What areas of your life are those areas over which God says: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.”  Bring them to God again.