When You Are Weak
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 Cor 12:9)
Paul was taken to the third heaven.
How many people have this privilege?
The prophets had visions of God while they were on earth.
The apostle John saw the Lord and visions of heaven while he was on Patmos.
Only Paul was caught up to the third heaven.
He could talk of his experience as the basis of his apostleship.
He could be recognized as authoritative for having communed face to face with God.
But he chose not to boast of himself.
He spoke of himself as a man who was brought into paradise.
He chose to boast of his weaknesses.
He rejoiced in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.
For then he could experience the power of Christ working effectively in him.
When we find ourselves in lack, we will experience the supply of the Lord.
When we are being persecuted, we will experience the love and comfort of God.
When we are down to nothing, we will see God opening doors, healing us, encouraging us, strengthening us.
So be content with your weaknesses.
When you are weak, then you are strong in Christ.
(MT)