Supernatural Strength

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul makes some bold statements. He says things like, “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me,” and “I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.”

Is that your first instinct as a believer – to boast about your weakness and delight in difficult things?

These statements are countercultural. Most of us are more inclined to avoid anything that shows our weakness and complain about things that are difficult. Yet, I wonder how many times we have missed out on opportunities for growth in our relationship with the Lord because of our desire to make life easier.

Paul had a thriving ministry where many were saved. He had a deep connection with God and revelation that not many in the Bible experienced. Yet, the cost of that was high. He had a “thorn in his flesh” that, although God had the power to remove, He did not do so. Paul faced many trials throughout his life, physical hardships, criticism, betrayal and so much more.

Paul’s life was far from easy. Yet he did not question God’s goodness. Can you say the same?

Many times, when hardships come, our world is quick to blame God. Are we just as quick to give Him credit when good things happen? Or do we take the credit for the good? When we question God’s character and love for us, it makes it even more difficult for us to depend on Him.

Paul’s dependence on God made him so much stronger than he ever would have been without those trials. Maybe the reason we don’t experience God’s power is because we have avoided the things He sent to strengthen us.

Do you want your strength and power, or His? When we confess our weakness, it is then that we operate in God’s power. There is never a time in our life where we outgrow God. We always need Him whether we acknowledge it or not.

Paul could have been upset with God, disappointed that not everything turned out the way he hoped, frustrated when times were tough, disillusioned when people weren’t obedient, and just quit on many occasions. Yet, he remained faithful, was fully surrendered to Christ’s plan, and recognized that it was in Christ’s presence that he could find rest to recharge and continue without growing weary.

To experience God’s power to the fullest, we need to trust God completely, run to Him when times are tough, surrender our plan and confess our dependence on Him. Rejoicing in today, no matter how challenging, will produce peace, joy and hope that can only come from God.

Our Savior loves us in ways too magnificent for us to understand with our finite minds. However, doing life like Paul did will result in some supernatural strength that is made perfect in your weakest moments. Do you trust God enough to give it a try?

“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Throughout 2024, every Monday morning by 7:00 AM, we will post a new video from Pastor Shane or an article written by a member of our staff that connects to that month’s featured promise. Learn more.