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.
2 Corinthians 12:7b-9 NLT
This text in 2 Corinthians has been my life scripture since coming into a relationship with the Lord as a young adult. I had never fully thought about the context of the scripture only that it helped make me feel better about all of the things I struggled with as a then college student. When digging in the text further I found so much more…
No one knows what affliction Paul suffered with, whether an infirmity or temptation, but commentaries suggest that the thorn in his side was the method God took to keep him humble. God will always bring the good out of evil. The thorn is meant to be a messenger of Satan meant for demise but God designed and reshaped it for good. Our infirmities, temptations, and thorns are meant to teach us to rely on God.
One of the attributes used to describe me by others is strength. I must admit that isn't something I am the most proud of because I can sometimes operate out of a place of relying on myself rather than God. If I’m honest I’m afraid that I’ll fall into a trap of this world thinking I don’t need God. So, I must remain humble and I must remain submitted.
This text helps us to recognize that our need for God goes far beyond our desire to be used by Him in the Kingdom of God. Our flesh can be magnified and difficult to overcome if we do not remain connected to the source. He is the True Vine and apart from Him we can achieve nothing.
Boasting in our weaknesses allows us to lean on God’s strength rather than our own no matter what we encounter or what labels others ascribe to us.
Boasting in our weaknesses means that we recognize God works through us and for us. Our weaknesses keep us in need of a savior. For when we are weak, then we are strong.
Prayer
Lord, I pray that we would see you as a very present help. I pray that we wouldn’t be ashamed of our weaknesses but lean into you so you can use our weaknesses for your glory. We survive by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. I pray for a divine boldness that will keep us connected to the True Vine. We will lean into you as you grow and develop us. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Written by: Tabatha Parrott
