STRENGTH WE NEED MOST

"... when I am weak, then am I strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:10

Since I began writing blog messages, I have been rather faithful in posting something new each week.  However, in 2019, I have gone several weeks without posting a new blog message.  This has been due, in part, to health issues and computer woes.  Even as I write this, I am not feeling very well.  As far as I know, my health issues are not life threatening, but they do hinder me a great deal. 

I must confess that when I am sick, I tend to be impatient and even a little grouchy.  Illness tends to slow me down greatly.  I don't like being sick.

The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to be hindered.  In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul wrote that he suffered from "a thorn in the flesh."  The Bible does not clearly identify what this "thorn" is.  We just know it made Paul feel miserable.  Although he prayed for the removal of the "thorn," it did not leave.  In fact, God refused to remove the thorn. 

There are times God permits pain, sorrow and problems to come in our lives.  They may reside for years.  In spite of our humble prayers, God may refuse to remove them. 

Paul was given some spiritual insight concerning his difficult situation.  Although the thorn was inflicted by the devil, God permitted it.  Through the painful situation he was in, God promised that His power would rest upon Paul.  Furthermore, Paul learned that God's grace would sustain him through the ordeal.  Ultimately, Paul stated, "... when I am weak, then am I strong."

I can't speak on your behalf, but I tend to depend upon my own strength too much.  The Bible teaches us, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart and lean not unto thy own understanding."  I believe it is also true that we should seek God and His power, and lean not on our own strength.

When I trust in my own strength, I am like a man who tries to support himself by leaning on a corn stalk.  A corn stalk cannot support the weight of a man.  In a similar way, my own strength is very limited and waning.

As I get older, I find myself with more aches and pains than ever before.  I have more than one health issue that bothers me.  I am walking slower.  My strength is dwindling.  In spite of this, there is mighty power available.  This strength is not found in the medicine or vitamins I take and it's not available through some kind of injection a doctor may prescribe.  Instead, this strength is found in the Lord. 

A mature believer realizes that God purifies His children in the furnace of affliction.  Rather than getting angry with God for our trials, we should be grateful for them.  I must confess that I pray much better during adversity than I ever do when things are going well.  I find myself relying on God and trusting His Word much more during my valley experiences.  Like Paul, we should say, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

It is a blessed thing to be weak, if Christ is your strength.