When Weakness Brings Strength
Paul had more problems than the vast majority of people. Yet, God worked through those difficulties to teach Him how to be strong. It is the opposite of what you might think. Paul found that when he was weak, then, he was strong. (II Corinthians 12:10) This is so important for all of us.
If we are living for Christ, as Paul did, then, we do everything for Christ's sake. In other words, we try to do His will in all we do. Then, if we have infirmities or sicknesses, reproaches, needs, persecutions, or distresses for Christ's sake, He is there to give us His strength. He always gives us His strength to do His will and to endure what comes from doing His will.
Paul was weakened by a thorn in the flesh, which the Lord gave Him, so that He would not become arrogant, since God had shown Him such wonderful things. He was constantly reproached by other preachers, which made him feel badly. He was persecuted by being beaten and put in prison, which caused weakness. He was in distress often for Christ's sake, but Jesus was always there. In each case, when Paul was weak, then, he became strong through the supernatural strength the Lord supplied for that need.
The same is true for anyone who serves the Lord in an unselfish way, only wanting to honor Christ. If that person is weakened as they serve, Jesus will make them strong. I pray that you have experienced this truth. If not, I urge you to decide to live for Jesus and see what happens.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Corinthians 13 and Galatians 1-2.
If we are living for Christ, as Paul did, then, we do everything for Christ's sake. In other words, we try to do His will in all we do. Then, if we have infirmities or sicknesses, reproaches, needs, persecutions, or distresses for Christ's sake, He is there to give us His strength. He always gives us His strength to do His will and to endure what comes from doing His will.
Paul was weakened by a thorn in the flesh, which the Lord gave Him, so that He would not become arrogant, since God had shown Him such wonderful things. He was constantly reproached by other preachers, which made him feel badly. He was persecuted by being beaten and put in prison, which caused weakness. He was in distress often for Christ's sake, but Jesus was always there. In each case, when Paul was weak, then, he became strong through the supernatural strength the Lord supplied for that need.
The same is true for anyone who serves the Lord in an unselfish way, only wanting to honor Christ. If that person is weakened as they serve, Jesus will make them strong. I pray that you have experienced this truth. If not, I urge you to decide to live for Jesus and see what happens.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Corinthians 13 and Galatians 1-2.