Today’s Superverse is 2 Corinthians 12:9 – But 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.
Fourteen years earlier, Paul experienced an amazing spiritual moment that he wishes to recount without becoming involved personally; therefore, he uses third-person narration.
He insists on celebrating his weakness over his strength because he recognizes Christ’s mighty work can become most evident through our weaknesses.
God’s Power in Our Weakness
Are you struggling with something you need God to take away, whether it’s physical pain, relationship drama or spiritual warfare? I have great news for you – His power can work perfectly even when we feel powerless! God promises that his strength can overcome our weaknesses!
Paul understood this truth and trusted in its power to enable him to be effective in ministry. Although he may have felt inadequate to defend himself against opponents, Paul knew He could entrust God with any difficulties that arose during ministry.
Paul believed his thorn was part of God’s plan for Him. In verse 9, when he mentions both weaknesses and strengths of God he does so not as boastful boasting but as an acknowledgment that the power of God was at work even through our weakness – this kind of power comes only through total submission!
God’s Glory in Our Suffering
Suffering can feel hopeless, yet we should take comfort in knowing that God has something greater planned for us through all this suffering – something He will ultimately use for His glory!
Paul detailed his extraordinary heavenly experience and what it taught him (see 2 Corinthians 12:1-10). To prevent Paul from becoming arrogant and arrogance-filled, God sent a “thorn in the flesh,” although no further information regarding its nature or source has been given in scripture.
Paul states in light of this that he will boast in his weaknesses not because it would show how strong Christ really is but because suffering allows us to demonstrate His grace in a powerful way and demonstrate that He alone suffices.
God’s Persuasive Power in Our Weakness
Weakness should not be confused with lethargic or neglectful behavior, which Nietzsche and Jones criticize as weakness. Instead, Paul’s weakness was his power source – something no other apostle had been able to accomplish – for which God provided strength not of human origin but divine lordship.
The Corinthians expected Paul to deliver an expert and polished presentation, yet Paul refused to play into their expectations or succumb to their prejudices by playing to their expectations or conforming his speech accordingly. Instead, he chose to emphasize his weakness knowing this would enable God’s strength to shine forth more fully.
He spoke about an extraordinary heavenly experience that allowed him to see things no one else could (see 2 Corinthians 12:3). But in order to keep Paul humble and keep any pride from taking hold, God gave him what the Scripture calls a “thorn in the flesh”, an unexplainable malady which kept him grounded (2 Corinthians 12:4).
God’s Perfecting Power in Our Suffering
Suffering is often hard to comprehend; yet God uses our suffering to bring about a more perfect state in us. In Greek, “perfected” translates as “complete.”
Stressful situations may be used to transform us, making us stronger through suffering. By trusting in Jesus and surrendering ourselves to Him, our suffering becomes an effective means of honoring Him and showing others who He truly is.
Consequences of our actions often include suffering in some form or another. For instance, cheating on an exam might result in our failing the class and experiencing embarrassment or disappointment; while committing crimes might land us behind bars – losing freedom with them.
Paul found comfort in the suffering he endured, which allowed him to focus his faith solely in Christ alone. What caused weakness eventually transformed into character-forming experiences as Paul submitted himself fully to God’s sovereign control and found strength through trusting in him alone.
