7So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9But 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. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
From the verses preceding verse 9, I understand that God gives us trials to "keep us from becoming conceited." This assures me that trials are in my life for my good. Then, in verse 9, God explains that through the trial, he will give us all the grace we need. What a good and loving God, that he would always do EXACTLY what is best for us, even if it doesn't seem like it at the time?
The verses after verse 9 tell me to boast of my weaknesses, and to be content with them. I especially love verse 10 b; "For when I am weak, then I am strong." I don't need to pretend that I am better than I really am, because I have God's power to make up for my weaknesses.
[insert celebratory shouts]
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 is such an encouraging passage!
Great post, Sarah! I love the last part you wrote about being weak. That is something I need to be reminded of so often! Thanks for sharing what you're learning.
ReplyDeleteThats such an encouraging verse!
ReplyDeleteI think its one of my favorites, too.
-Emily
Great insight, Sarah! It's really encouraging to be reminded that trials, both big and small, are meant to take all the boasting from me and put it on God.
ReplyDelete