Made Perfect In Weakness

Good Morning!! Paul had learned he was valuable not because of his many accomplishments, but because of Christ in him. Because God loved him and guided him. He had learned, what we all need to learn, to rely not on your own strength and abilities,...but on the strength and power of of God. And he learned that when he was honest about his own weaknesses, he opened the door for the Lord's strength and power to work in his life. He had learned that Jesus' strength and power would "pitch a tent over and dwell upon" him! What a picture!

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.—2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Considering the world's standards, these words of the apostle Paul are astounding. When we base our value on our performance, we are usually reluctant to accept any kind of failure or admit any weakness. They depress us and make us feel bad about ourselves. They often make other people think less of us. And yet Paul said he would gladly boast about his weaknesses!

Admitting our weaknesses and failures to God, to others, and to ourselves, will help us refocus on the real source of power in our lives,...God.

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Father, forgive us for trusting in our own abilities and hard work to make us successful. We should all know the only way we can serve You effectively, and live the abundant life Jesus promised, is to depend on Your strength and power. We thank You that through our weakness, You can be glorified. Thank You for loving us unconditionally. Thank You for the good plan You have for our lives, and the strength and power of Jesus to walk on the paths You set before us. Amen.

"We must learn to deny ourselves, and our fleshly appetites,...if we are to take up our crosses, and follow Christ."