Power Perfected in Weakness

This morning in my quiet time, one of the verses I read was 2 Corinthians 12:9.

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. (HCSB)

The two previous verses share light on why Paul needed God’s grace and power.

Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me.

Notice that at the beginning and end of verse seven, Paul says that he was given the “thorn” “…so I would not exalt myself … to torment me so I would not exalt myself.”

This brings to mind a different verse. Romans 12:3 (also written by Paul) says,

Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. (NLT, emphasis mine)

I think some of us have taken this verse too far, myself included.

I think of myself as worthless or only average, depending on the day. I feel like nothing I’ve done matters. But those are all lies from the devil.

I am worth dying for. Jesus did that for ME.

You are worth dying for. He did that for YOU.

When the verse ran through my head, the arrangement of words dropped into my thoughts, and I had to make the picture. Originally, I put it on a plain background, but it didn’t seem right. Something was missing. So I searched for an appropriate picture under prayer. I thought a man kneeling would fit, but then I saw this picture by JeffJacobs1990, and it stuck with me.

The power of the Lion of Judah perfected in the weakness of the Lamb of God.

So many people strive for power, but it is in surrender to the ultimate power source that we find true and perfect power.

Just something to ponder today.

Blessings,

 

 

 

 

 

PS. I have a few paperback copies of my short devotional “Love is …” that I’d love to give away. Comment with an example or thought for a chance to win. Winners will be announced 7/31.

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