When you're weak, learn to be powerful

[Angee Licaa]

To those who rejected Paul's apostleship, he testified of his amazing experience of ascending to heaven. More than that, Paul extolled the Lord's power, which he claimed was displayed in his body as a result of his flaws.

12:1-13 in 2 Corinthians
[1] I feel compelled to boast, even if it is futile, and I will talk about Lord's visions and revelations. [2] I know a Christian man who was taken to the third heaven fourteen years ago (either in the body or out of the body, I'm not sure; God knows). [3] I know he was taken up to Paradise (either in his body or out of his body, I don't know, God knows) [4] I know he was taken up to Paradise (either in his body or out of his body, I don't know, God knows); There, he hears things that no one is authorized to speak and that can't be said.

[5] I will be proud of that man; but, I am not proud of myself, only of my flaws. [6] I'm not a fool, even if I wanted to be. I say the truth. But I avoid doing so so that no one has a higher opinion of me than what they see and hear in me. [7] A splinter has cut my skin to deter me from being proud of these magnificent revelations; an emissary of Satan has beaten me so that I would not be proud. [8] I prayed three times to the Lord to take him away from me. "My grace is plenty for you," the Lord responded, "because My strength is made perfect in weakness." 

Therefore, I will gladly boast of my weaknesses, so that the strength of Christ may be in me. [10] Therefore, for Christ's sake, I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, in troubles. Because when I'm weak, I'm strong.
[11] I was crazy! You forced me to be like that. In fact, you should praise me; for even though I am nothing, I am not inferior to the other great apostles. [12] The signs of an apostle have been shown among you: endurance, signs, wonders, and mighty works. [13] For, apart from the fact that I myself do not trouble you, are you inferior to other churches? Forgive me for this unfairness!
Think and understand

Paul had much to say from the point of view of his spiritual experience, but because there was a risk of being overestimated, and also a risk of being conceited, he did his best not to make him feel bad. I stand out. Even so, God gave Paul a painful “splinter” to prevent him from becoming arrogant, even just a little. Then, in response to Paul's earnest pleas to make that splinter go away, God said: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. weak". Through this, Paul gradually realized the truth of being strong when you are weak. He wanted those in the Corinthian church to recognize the authenticity of his apostolic status in this image of him, and to distinguish him from the false apostles (verses 1-13).

What is God like?

Verses 7 God considered Paul himself more important than the work that God would do through Paul. Because of this, God put a splinter in his body so that he would not become arrogant. Similarly, God wanted Paul to be a needy, but humble and wise missionary, not a brilliant but arrogant and foolish missionary.

Did he give me lessons?

Verses 11-13 More than a sign or miracle, “love is patient,” a true mark of an apostle. This is because the life of the cross cannot be lived without the power of the Holy Ghost, but signs and miracles can be manifested by Satan.

Refer

12:9-10 My grace is sufficient for you. Paul says that God's grace is "sufficient" (in the present tense). This emphasizes the continued availability of God's grace to Paul and to all believers (see Romans 8:31-39). My strength is made perfect in weakness. Paul's weakness (not His revelations) was God's way of manifesting His power. This is the basis of Paul's defense throughout the book of 2 Corinthians.

Prayer: Lord, help us to see Your grace, which does not leave us even while the splinter is in us. Help us to live by that grace.

Bible Reading of the Year: Ezekiel 40-43

[Thewhitedove]

I love this. Thank you.