GOD'S POWER IS BEST DISPLAYED AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF HUMAN WEAKNESS

Diana Kriesel

Monday, 4/12/10 – 1 Samuel 13; 1 Chronicles 2,3; 2 Corinthians 12 – “God’s Power is Best Displayed Against the Backdrop of Human Weakness”

S – 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (NIV)

O – The Lord told Paul that he would not sink under his afflictions and that the enemy would not prevail against him, but rather, God promised that His power would be seen in and through the weakness Paul was experiencing. This verse seems to be saying that the grace that will be given if the thorn is not removed will be of greater value than would be the answer to have the thorn removed. God had something better in store than the immediate answer to Paul’s request. Though the removal of the affliction would seem to be a blessing, the grace imparted and the power perfected must be of more eternal value.

A – Sometimes we think that if God will only remove those things that we think are holding us back, that everything would be better. In truth, we can learn that God’s divine power is best displayed against the background of human weakeness, so that He alone is praised. God’s grace can transform our perspective.

P – Lord, we want to come to a place of such complete trust in You, that no matter what we go through, no matter how weak we feel, we can lean into the sufficiency of Your grace and the strength of Your power.