Scripture
Vs 1 I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
Vs 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses …
7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Observation
God gave Paul a grand and glorious “vision”.
God also gave Paul a painful and lasting “thorn”.
Paul was hesitant to speak about the grand “vision”, but “gladly” boasted about the “thorn”.
Paul wanted God to get the glory, and the power of Christ to be upon him.
Paul did not want to speak about his own power, but the power of God.
Application
What am I eager to speak about? What am I hesitant to speak about?
Am eager to speak about my grandest endeavors and accomplishments?
Am I quiet or hesitant to reveal my weaknesses and struggles?
If so, I may be working against the very work of God!
God is in control and sovereign over all things.
God is the giver of all things.
God can give wonders and visions.
But God can also give struggle, or even pain … Do I have a category for that?
No one likes to think like that!
But perhaps my weaknesses are where God would be seen as strong … even glorious!
Ans if God is not answering my pleadings to be rid of my weaknesses … maybe He knows this is best!
So, what will I “boast” about, then?
In God’s “upside down kingdom” I need to boast about my weakness, then I have the power of Christ upon me … then I am strong.
Prayer
Thank you, God, for your word
Thank you that you always know what is best
Help me see my weaknesses from your perspective
Help me to be drawn to you in them
And Help me to see your grace, and strength, and power
In Jesus name
Amen