Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NLT
Comment
The other day I was feeling quite down about my weaknesses. The trouble is I’m a perfectionist and when I don’t measure up to my high personal standards I start to beat myself up and then I feel bad. I know I shouldn’t focus on myself but that’s another weakness I have!
So, when I was feeling down the other day I told my husband about it – confessed my shortcomings – and asked him to pray for me. He encouraged me not to be so hard on myself… ‘There is no condemnation for those in Christ’ is what he said. Then he told me that recently he has been praying regularly for God to use his weaknesses to keep him humble and dependent on God. I felt humbled by his wisdom and his bold prayers. I also felt huge respect for him too.
How do you feel when things go wrong or there is trouble or hardship? How do you handle your weaknesses?
Prayer (as a couple)
Father God, thank you that understand our weaknesses. Thank you that you do not condemn us. Help us to draw on your power through the Holy Spirit to handle our weaknesses for your glory. Amen.
Prayer (for others)
Father God, we thank you that you understand everybody’s weaknesses. Thank you that you don’t condemn people. Please help … and … to know and draw on your power, for your glory. Amen.
Final quote
…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. Romans 8:26
