Our Weakness is a path to Divine Strength

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NKJV)

Strength is celebrated in our society. The strong do something regularly. They let you know about their accomplishments, how strong they are and in comparison how weak others are.  Apostle Paul had a thorn in the flesh, given to him by God to keep him humble. Paul asked God three times to remove the thorn but God refused. We don’t know what the thorn was. Paul was desperate in his desire to find relief from this burden, but there are two ways of relief. It can come by removing the load or by strengthening the shoulder that bears the load. Instead of taking away the thorn, God strengthened Paul under it, and God would show His strength through Paul’s apparent weakness.

Troubles are sent to teach us to pray; and are continued, to teach us to continue instant in prayer. At such times, the admonition in Matthew’s gospel chapter 26 verse 41 is very applicable. “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not always give what is asked for: as He sometimes grants in wrath, so He sometimes denies in love. When God does not take away our troubles and temptations, but gives grace enough for us, we have no reason to complain. Grace signifies the good-will of God towards us, and that is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort in all afflictions and distresses. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus His grace is manifested and magnified.

Is there a torn in your flesh? Are you faced with any kind of pains? Is any of your loved one suffering from a terminal illness?  Is yours  emotional pain that comes from broken relationships, rejection, loneliness, stress, slander, gossip, being misunderstood, or harsh unjust criticism? Is yours financial losses or a bankruptcy? The most difficult pain is spiritual. Paul says, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me. God is able, willing and ready to see you through and turn that weakness to strength for you.

Beloved, let us remember the word of God in Isaiah 40 verses 29-31 and hold unto it. “He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” As we fix our eyes on God in our state of weakness, we will enjoy the grace of our loving God and we will never be put to shame.

Have a victorious week as you turn attention away from your weaknesses and focus on God’s strength!.

Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon

                                S. Igein Isemede