Back to Corinth: 2 Cor. 12: 1-21

Verse 9: “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

In an old Justice League of America issue, #34, “The Deadly Dreams of Doctor Destiny”, Dr. Destiny was attacking members of the Justice League through dreams that he would later materialize into real life…with deadly differences. In Superman’s dream, the Man of Steel was attempting to stop a rampaging stone warrior statue come to life. A pair of glasses snapped onto his face out of nowhere…glasses, that he discovered, removed his weakness to Kryptonite! At first happy, he was dismayed later when the giant defended himself with a gold coating and attacked Superman with fire. Now Superman had the weaknesses of Green Lantern (yellow) and the Martian Manhunter (fire)! Recovering his wits in time to figure out a way to defeat the giant in his dreams, he awoke in his bed, wryly observing that he’d gladly have a weakness to Kryptonite than trade for the weaknesses of anything yellow or fire!

Paul here is reflecting on his pleas to the Lord to remove “the thorn in his side”, and God had said no, and even more, replied that His grace was sufficient for him. Ever notice how we’re not surprised to see a feat of strength by a strong person, or some incredible achievement by someone very talented…but we remark on how miraculous it is to see such achievements done by someone unlikely? That’s God in action. He told Paul that “His strength was made perfect in weakness.” That way, credit is given to God for the miracle than to the vessel it was accomplished through.

Our music minister at church sang a beautiful solo today entitled “Gratitude” (arranged by Heather Sorenson, composed by Nichole Nordeman); in it, the author prays for needs, but remembers to thank God for what He gives, even when the answer is no to the prayed for need. Christian, remember to thank God in all things, and thank Him that His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses!

Something to think about!

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Proverbs 24:10-15

It’s no fun when you use to be in good physical shape, then you fall out of it. Add in the aging factor, and getting back into shape is harder. However, it is worth the effort, because the better physical condition we’re in as we age, the better we can withstand diseases that strike us later on in life.

What about our spiritual strength? How do we withstand the day of distress when it hits us? (and it will!). First off, you better have the Great Physician on your side. Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior is the most important part, but Jesus doesn’t want us to accept Him and that be all. We need to spend time with Him in prayer, studying His Word, and doing His will. We get our strength from Jesus, but we need to stay close to Him, so that we don’t let sin steal or dilute that strength. Then when the day of distress hits, you’ll find yourself withstanding the assault a lot easier since your strength won’t be slack.

Something to think about.

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