"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING WEAKNESS"
2nd Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
2nd Cor 12:8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
2nd Cor 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2nd Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Paul was going through some suffering and weakness, because God was using this to keep him from bring lifted up in pride, and to keep him humble.
2. Paul did not like the suffering, and he asked the Lord to take it away from him, but, the Lord did not. He allowed this thorn in the flesh, this messenger of Satan to continue buffeting him.
3. What Paul did find out, is that God's grace was sufficient for him. The Lord told him the following, 2nd Cor 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
4. Paul then came to realize the following 2nd Cor 12:9b Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2nd Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
5. The lesson here for us, is also found in the following. 2nd Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
6. Additionally, we can follow Paul's example, and learn from his example. We serve the same God who sometimes allows weakness, and difficulties to remain in our lives, only to show us that His grace is sufficient to see us through, and that in our times of weakness, then He can give us His strength.
7. So, if you are weak today, weak perhaps through difficulties, satanic attacks, or some other type of situation, please remember, that God knows, and that God is able to help you with His grace, and He will give you His strength to see you through.
A prayer:
Father, Your Word never fails to teach us what we need to know, and how we can find You, and Your will for us in whatever situation we are in. Thank You for caring for us as You do. Please teach us to get to know You better, and to keep You in our minds all through the day. Help us to grow in the grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your Word, and please give us a hunger for it, and for You as we have never had. We need You Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
