Day 676: Read today's devotional on Bible Gateway.

A Reason for Weakness

Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
(2 Corinthians 12:6-10)

Reflect

We don’t know what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, because he doesn’t tell us. Some have suggested that it was malaria, epilepsy, or a disease of the eyes (see Galatians 4:13-15). Whatever the case, it was a chronic and debilitating problem, which at times kept him from working. This thorn was a hindrance to his ministry, and he prayed for its removal; but God refused. Paul was a very self-sufficient person, so this thorn must have been difficult for him. It kept Paul humble, reminded him of his need for constant contact with God, and benefited those around him as they saw God at work in his life.

The fact that God’s power is displayed in weak people can give us courage. Though we recognize our limitations, we can rely on God for our effectiveness rather than simply on our own energy, effort, or talent. Our weakness not only helps develop Christian character; it also deepens our worship, because in admitting our weakness, we affirm God’s strength.

Respond

What do you see as your limitation(s)? This could be a fear of speaking in public, an illness, or something else that causes you physical or emotional pain. Perhaps like Paul you’ve prayed for God to remove it and he has said no. If you find that answer impossible to accept, draw on God’s mercy as in the struggle. You might use this passage in 2 Corinthians as a prayer.