Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” vss. 8-9
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
We don’t know what Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” might have been, though there’s certainly been plenty of speculation. Obviously it was something that bothered him and that he believed hampered his ministry–he let the Lord know that he wanted it gone. The answer that he got is profound. Grace is sufficient–power is made perfect in weakness. So instead of trying to hide his weaknesses, he gladly boasted about them. Would that many of us could get that through our thick skulls. We spend so much time denying and covering up that we lose all perspective of who we really are. People don’t care if we’re not perfect–in fact, they’re glad we’re not! It makes them feel better about themselves! So what if we’re not smart or pretty or athletic? What counts in life is rejoicing in the successes of others, and looking for ways to lift them up. The less we try to show off, the easier it is for Christ to show up in us. And, contrary to Paul, it really isn’t necessary to boast about our weaknesses–that can get old in a hurry!
Thought for the Day: What things do I boast about?
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