You Can Trust God’s Strength In Your Weakness

He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Paul was suffering. He had some kind of debilitation or chronic illness that he felt was hindering his effectiveness in ministry. He figured he could be more effective, share the Good News with more energy and travel more places if God would take away the problem.

Makes sense, right?

So Paul pleaded with God: “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me” (2 Corinthians 12:8). But each time God’s answer was no. In fact, God said that his power worked best through Paul’s weakness. God’s grace was enough to make Paul’s ministry effective.

We don’t like to hear that the answer is no. We prefer the promises of healing—and God can indeed heal; nothing is impossible with God. But sometimes, for reasons unknown to us, God chooses to say no. He only says, “I can do more with you this way.” And then, we simply have to trust.

GOD’S PROMISE TO ME
• My gracious favor is all you need.

• I can use your weaknesses for my glory.

MY PRAYER TO GOD
You promise, Lord, that your power works best in my weakness. Work in and through me. I’m thankful that I don’t have to be perfect in order to be useful to you. Help me trust in your strength.