2 Corinthians 12:2-10 (NRSV)
Read 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 on biblegateway.com
Verse 2I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven-whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. Verse 3And I know that such a person-whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows- Verse 4was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. Verse 5On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Verse 6But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, Verse 7even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Verse 8Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, Verse 9but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Verse 10Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
Devotion
We are creatures woven together of many parts. We have triumphs and tragedies. Most of us prefer to concentrate on the strengths and hide the weaknesses. Paul speaks here of highs and lows in his life. Such an examination of our own lives helps us keep our perspective. We can acknowledge our accomplishments without being carried away and admit our failures and difficulties without falling into despair.
Like Paul, we may pray that God will remove all our flaws, our “thorns in the flesh.” We should be prepared to hear the same answer: God’s grace is sufficient. Power is made perfect in weakness. We don’t have to be all things for all people. We are free to admit to those around us that we aren’t strong enough to save them. We can’t even save ourselves. Only the power of Christ can do that. And he did it from weakness, by dying.
Prayer
Remind me, O God, who I am and who you are. Help me live with my flaws and failures. Give me the strength to accept my weaknesses and teach me to rely on you. In the name of Jesus who died so that he might be raised, Amen.