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 learn an important lesson from the Apostle Paul. He found his strength in weakness. How could that be? It was because he recognized his weakness that his trust was built solely on God's grace through Jesus Christ.
During World War II, a dear college friend was drafted into the army. On leaving, he gave me a plaque quoting 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness."¯ He shared that learned lesson with me as he went off to war. He was en route for the invasion of Japan when the atomic bomb abruptly ended the war.
The church still moves forward in its mission, remembering Paul's legacy: "I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong."¯ Former Luther Seminary President T. F. Gullixson often reminded us that "The way to faithful ministry is always upstream."
Prayer
Lord Jesus, be our strength to serve you through the power of your cross and resurrection. Amen.