You can tell when someone is a powerful leader by their ability to influence people with the convictions they have–whether those convictions are right or wrong. Paul is a great example of that. When he was harming people for believing in Jesus, others who rejected Jesus as well willingly followed his leadership. Later, Jesus confronted Paul and impacted him in a way that forever changed his life–he became an ambassador for Jesus. Others were then impacted by Paul’s testimony, how he lived his life, and his teachings powerfully inspired by God. Paul was one of the most talented and influential people in the Bible. But even with all of that talent, influence, and a powerful testimony, he had a weakness that he couldn’t overcome on his own. He called it “a thorn” in his side. From the sounds of it, that figurative thorn was irritating, relentless, painful. Can you imagine always having a thorn in your side?
This brings us to a preliminary question to reflect on while journaling this quiet time. What is the purpose of weakness?
This quiet time is an opportunity to deeply reflect on weaknesses (as we all have them), come to a deeper understanding about what’s behind those weaknesses, learn how to harness strength from them, and how to see them from God’s perspective. Enjoy.
“Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 2 Corinthians 12:6-7
Scripture doesn’t disclose what Paul’s weakness was but it does reveal one of the reasons why he was given this “thorn”.
Q – How would I explain the reason?
Q – What might I be able to achieve independently from God if I didn’t have my weakness(es)? And what might be a benefit to having this weakness in terms of a relationship with God?
Read – Genesis 11:1-9
Q – What were the people intending to do by building this mighty tower and what do I think the motive was?
With one unified language, the people were able to accomplish creating a structure that would even reach to the heavens–near God.
Q: Why do I think God confused their language i.e. issued them a weakness among them?
It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. Psalm 18:32
Q – In what ways might my weakness(es) make me feel insecure? i.e. about me, a situation(s), the future, etc.
Q – Have I put pressure on myself to strengthen my weakness(es) on my own, and if yes, in what ways?
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Paul prayed that he would be relieved of his weakness, but Jesus responded with “My grace is sufficient for you…”
Q – What does this mean? Tip: Feel free to look up the definition of grace.
Reflect: In our weakness, we can sometimes fall short or fail at being excellent. Paraphrase Jesus’ words when he says “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Q – What was Paul’s reasoning behind essentially bragging about his weakness?
Q – Revisiting the opening question, “what is the purpose of weakness?”
Q – In what way can I allow God’s grace to be sufficient in my weakness?
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The following are confidence-building affirmations that you can say to yourself and meditate on regularly, especially when feeling the impact of weakness.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7-8
‘[-insert my name- will] Look to the Lord and his strength; [I will] seek his face always.’ 1 Chronicles 16:11
‘He gives strength to the weary [me] and increases the power of the weak.’ Isaiah 40:29
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
Turn your weaknesses into weapons of mass faith in God’s strength and love.
Rise & Shine Bright