July 18th Devotion
Your Weakness, God's Power
Bayless Conley
2 Corinthians 12:9 is a powerful reminder of God's provision for you and me when we reach the end of our strength.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
When Paul wrote these words, he was being harassed everywhere he went by an evil spirit that he referred to as "a thorn in the flesh." It was a messenger sent from Satan to buffet him, to constantly harass him. The constant harassment of this spirit finally got to him, and he begged God three times to take it away. Paul was clearly at the end of his rope.
But, even though Paul prayed for God's intervention three times, the spirit did not depart. And God's response to Paul was the verse we read above. His strength is made perfect in weakness. What does perfect mean? It means that His power comes to full maturity…it blossoms…it is fully expressed in our weakness.
What was Paul's response? He went on to say in verses 9-10 of that same chapter, Therefore most gladly I would rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions and distresses for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
It seems that sometimes we have to get to the end of ourselves before we will look fully to God. But when we do, we find that He is more than enough. If you are there today or close to that point, take hold of God's strength. Put your trust in Him. He will bring you to the place of your breakthrough, and you will find the strength and direction you need.
Bayless Conley
2 Corinthians 12:9 is a powerful reminder of God's provision for you and me when we reach the end of our strength.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
When Paul wrote these words, he was being harassed everywhere he went by an evil spirit that he referred to as "a thorn in the flesh." It was a messenger sent from Satan to buffet him, to constantly harass him. The constant harassment of this spirit finally got to him, and he begged God three times to take it away. Paul was clearly at the end of his rope.
But, even though Paul prayed for God's intervention three times, the spirit did not depart. And God's response to Paul was the verse we read above. His strength is made perfect in weakness. What does perfect mean? It means that His power comes to full maturity…it blossoms…it is fully expressed in our weakness.
What was Paul's response? He went on to say in verses 9-10 of that same chapter, Therefore most gladly I would rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions and distresses for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
It seems that sometimes we have to get to the end of ourselves before we will look fully to God. But when we do, we find that He is more than enough. If you are there today or close to that point, take hold of God's strength. Put your trust in Him. He will bring you to the place of your breakthrough, and you will find the strength and direction you need.
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