“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” There I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, than I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 NIV).
It impresses me a lot that Paul could say that he was well content in his weaknesses, insults, distresses, persecution, and difficulties. How many of us can say that when we are tested? Maybe we should try to do what Paul did and see all of these things as an opportunity to grow our character in the Lord and produce perseverance. I believe that when we try to do something that requires our faith in God, then we will truly see how God can work through our weakness.
When I started out in my career I wanted to be a music teacher. Then an opening for a Learning Disability tutor came available at the school in Wooster across from our home. I went to the interview and told the man that my degree was in music and I didn’t know if I could do a good job. He smiled and told me I would do fine. I had my doubts, but trusted that God knew more than I did. I was scared to death when I first started, but I prayed and God gave me wisdom to teach my students what they needed. I took courses, and I am constantly trying to learn more to help my students. Now, 26 years later, the Lord still guides me and shows me that in my weakness, He can accomplish amazing things. I have been able to help many students all because I took a leap of faith and walked through a door God opened for me.
We all have times when we are weak and endure all of the tough times above that Paul experienced. If we let God take over control, He will guide us and give us His strength to carry on. So the next time you feel as if you can’t make it, rely on God to get you through it and ask Him to help you see how it will help you to grow as a Christian. I wouldn’t be teaching today if it weren’t for the Lord carrying me through some really tough times. I know He can do the same for you.
Dear God,
Help us as we struggle with our weaknesses and troubles. Let us know that you are our source of strength when our strength is gone. Thank you for being there for us when we call on you and showing us how to rely on you for help.
In Jesus name,
Amen
