Scripture:
9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. 2 Corinthians 13:9
Observation:
Paul is giving his final warning and encouragement to the people of Corinth. He puts out his heart before them. Test your faith and ensure you are in Christ and know that I only bring the force you force me to. He is blunt and honest with them as he prepares them for the final greeting. Paul reveals his heart towards them and it is a heart we are all called to have, a heart towards others.
Application:
We are glad when we are weak and you are strong. That is unheard of when it comes to our world now. We are out for ours and for our success, our strength, and our success. I see this practically and literally speaking at the gym. I worked out this morning and see dudes walking around with barely any shirts on showing off their muscles because they want to be the biggest and strongest in the gym. Now, this is not apples to apples but this is a mindset. We always want to be better than the next person. This is what we are taught from an early age. Outwork people, be better than them, elevate yourself so that you can succeed and leave a legacy. Man, this is not the way of the believer!! Elevate others and elevate Jesus and leave a legacy for the name of Jesus, not our name. Don’t have your name written down in history for your sake but for Jesus sake. Restoration is what we pray for…What happened if I prayed for people more than I prayed for myself? I think God would answer more prayers. 9 times out of 10 I pray for me and occasionally pray for others. I repent of this Lord and ask your help in this area of my life. God has called us to care for others and want other peoples success rather than our own.
Prayer:
Father forgive me for desiring my good rather than others. Help me, Jesus, to care for others more than I care for myself. Help me Lord Jesus to love others and pray for others and know that it is about elevating you by elevating others. Help me, Lord Jesus.