Proverbs 27:17
Sunday, May 31, 2026
How Weakness Becomes Strength
How Weakness Becomes Strength
Think of a situation you wish you could change, and then imagine what the apostle Paul must have been going through in 2 Corinthians 12.
Paul was suffering, so he repeatedly begged God to remove his pain. But God doesn’t change Paul’s situation. Instead, God tells Paul that His “grace is enough” for him.
Charis, the ancient Greek word for “grace,” conveyed the favor that God showed humanity when He sent Jesus to earth for us.
Before Jesus, people couldn’t draw near to God on their own. But Jesus made a way for anyone to experience intimacy with God. A relationship with God isn’t something we earn—it’s a free gift we receive when we accept that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead.
So when God tells Paul that His “grace is sufficient,” what He’s essentially saying is: “I am enough for you.”
God could meet Paul’s needs because God was all Paul needed—and God was with Paul. The influence Paul had was only because God chose to show off His power through him.
“For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
2 Corinthians 4:6-7 NIV
We are all like “jars of clay”—simple and not that impressive. But when we submit our lives to God, we become containers that showcase His power.
Like Paul, we can then boast about how weak we are so that God gets the credit for every great thing that happens to us.
Our situations might not change, but our cry often changes from, “God, please remove this suffering,” to, “God, when I suffer—show me how You are using this for Your glory and my good.”
So whatever you’re facing, know that God is near. He sees you and He loves you. Take some time today and ask God to show you how He is empowering you. Draw near to Him, and let Him strengthen you.
“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.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT
“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.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT
I'm reading the @YouVersion plan 'God’s Surprising Word: Renewed by the Spirit'
I'm reading the @YouVersion plan 'God’s Surprising Word: Renewed by the Spirit'
Friday, May 29, 2026
This Teaching Clip made me think of you. Watch FRIDAY NIGHT PRAYERS - LECTIO 365 by 24-7 Prayer
This Teaching Clip made me think of you. Watch FRIDAY NIGHT PRAYERS - LECTIO 365 by 24-7 Prayer
Answer the Call
Answer the Call
More often than not, when we study today’s verses the focus rests on the promise of “immeasurably more.” This is not wrong; God has already done more than we could ask for or imagine in our lives through Jesus, and He continues to do so even today. But Paul’s message doesn’t stop there. He reminds us that the purpose of the church is to worship and glorify God.
Paul called us to participate in this great task: to make God known among the world and to celebrate Him forever. Paul invited us to glorify God through the church because the church is the primary agent for proclaiming God’s fame to the world.
How are you contributing to the glory of God through your church? Paul called all generations to serve in this way, which definitely includes us. Today, rejoice in the One who has already accomplished the impossible for us. Devote your gifts and talents, whatever they may be, to His glory, and respond to His grace by lifting up His name with your local church.
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