Good morning! Today is Wednesday, April 12, 2023. I’m secretly glad that Paul had to wrestle with unanswered prayer! Well … sort of. It’s just that God doesn’t always answer the way we’d like Him to, but maybe the reason is that God’s way is even better! Read on …
Today's Reading:
1 Samuel 13; 1 Chronicles 2,3; 2 Corinthians 12
Scripture
“… to keep my from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to buffet me — to keep me from exalting myself. Concerning this, I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)
Observation
For “power is perfected in weakness.” Haunting words! This is not an affirming answer that gives me the “feel-goods.” Three times Paul asked to have the thorn in his flesh removed! Instead, God would rather recycle and use it for Paul’s betterment.
I wonder how many times I settled for a band-aid when God wanted to bring healing. The tough part is that the healing would require me to be weak. God wanted to prove Himself strong, but He couldn’t until I was ready to surrender. But that often only happens when I have nowhere else to turn.
Application
I wonder how many times I refused to be weak. I wonder how often I refused to be wrong, refused to be corrected, or resisted the need for help. It might have been insecurity or pride, but whatever it was, I felt that I couldn’t show weakness.
The Holy Spirit will answer not only our prayers — He’ll go another step further and answer the Father’s prayer for our lives! So often, our prayers are too shallow, temporary, and short-sighted. I am often unwilling to trade present comfort for long-term fruitfulness and joy.
It takes much strength to be weak, but the results will be what will perfect us.
Prayer
Lord, please give me Your strength. Your power is always made complete when I recognize my frailty and weakness. Thank You for Your grace. As each year passes, the more I realize that I don’t know much at all! Speak Lord. Thy servant is listening.
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