2020 Daily Devotion - Day 61
The question of suffering is always something people ponder. Especially, when we are people of faith, we sometimes assume suffering should not come our way. And when it does come, people will often ask if it was because of something they had done or failed to do. Well, the truth is that Christians will suffer like everyone else and sometimes even more. The reasons can vary. It can be brought about through persecution of the Christ follower, since the Bible says we are engaged in a spiritual war, it can be an attack of the evil one, and there are other reasons.
The Apostle Paul had some kind of infirmity. Scholars are not certain what it was, but it gave him a great deal of trouble. It could have been poor eye sight, because in one of his letters he says, “Look at what large letters I am writing.” Some have speculated it was epilepsy. But whatever it was, it was apparently a burden to him. Look at how he handled this problem:
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
So too, with us; many times we might have asked God to remove something, and the answer we might be getting is “My Grace is Sufficient for you.” Even in the midst of our weakness, He becomes our strength. Paul was able to admit to being weak, and as a result, he discovers where real strength comes from.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, the world says we should be strong. Our pride tells us that we should be tough. But Your Word tells us the only strength we have comes from You. When we are able to be honest about being weak, is when we discover Your strength and Your grace will be all we truly need. Help us to be honest about our true condition so we may experience Your strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Apostle Paul had some kind of infirmity. Scholars are not certain what it was, but it gave him a great deal of trouble. It could have been poor eye sight, because in one of his letters he says, “Look at what large letters I am writing.” Some have speculated it was epilepsy. But whatever it was, it was apparently a burden to him. Look at how he handled this problem:
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
So too, with us; many times we might have asked God to remove something, and the answer we might be getting is “My Grace is Sufficient for you.” Even in the midst of our weakness, He becomes our strength. Paul was able to admit to being weak, and as a result, he discovers where real strength comes from.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, the world says we should be strong. Our pride tells us that we should be tough. But Your Word tells us the only strength we have comes from You. When we are able to be honest about being weak, is when we discover Your strength and Your grace will be all we truly need. Help us to be honest about our true condition so we may experience Your strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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