Monday, August 1, 2011

Strength in Weakness

Scripture--2 Corinthians 10 -2 Corinthians 12

Application:  I know I said it in the introduction to 2 Corinthians, but I've been so struck by Paul's discussions of his weaknesses, failures and sorrows.  It amazes me how sad he was in this whole book.  Sad but hopeful.  But still sad.  

The section that got me this time was here (12:8-9)  "I pleaded with the Lord three times for it to leave me alone. He said to me, “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” So I’ll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power can rest on me."

Observation:  I know that feeling.  That I'm not good enough.  That I'm too tired or too busy or not enough.  But guess what--that's where  God works best!  When we give things up to God, that's when God can work.  When we try to be strong and boast of our greatness, we leave no room for God to work!

What can you give up to God today?  What can you let God have?  Where can you admit your weakness so you can boast in God?

Prayer:  All-Powerful God--You are strong and mighty.  All that I have is yours.  Remind me of that.  Make me weak so that you can be strong.  Amen.

Blessings!
Pastor Emily 

August 2--2 Corinthians 13
August 3--Galatians 1-Galatians 3
August 4--Galatians 4-Galatians 6
August 5--Ephesians 1-Ephesians 3
August 6--Ephesians 4-Ephesians 6
August 7--Philippians 1-Philippians 3
August 8--Philippians 4-Colossians 2

3 comments:

Lindsay said...

That same verse was the one that jumped right off the page for me today too! I pray that I can let go of the pride that makes me want to boast and instead give my weaknesses to God so that my life can be a testament to HIS strength and goodness!!!!

Mary said...

I like those verses too. Stop worrying; let God take care of it. I am strongest when God works through my weakness!
I also like 10:5b "We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Take control of our thoughts so they are Christlike- That is something for me to work on!!

Carol Flores said...

I liked those verses too, and also noted 11:3. Paul was afraid that the minds of the Christians in Corinth would be "corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ". I love the word simplicity. It brings a feeling of peace and comfort. I pray that I can just simply remember to love God and others and to forgive as Jesus did. Sounds simple right? :) But don't worry God sent His Spirit to help us with this.