Monday 3-29-10

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 

"9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

Just previous to this verse Paul mentions his "thorn in the flesh", and states that he had asked God to remove it at least three times. God tells Paul that His grace is enough for Paul and that His power and grace is made "perfect" through Paul's deficiencies. How Paul responds just is very convicting. Paul says that he "takes pleasure" in being feeble or frail, in rebukes or disapproval's, in daily menial tasks, in being tortured for Christ, in difficult times. 

Just having been reading through some of what Paul went through in the previous chapter his attitude is a great example to me. I'm sure he struggled at times no doubt but his selfless attitude of "if my being puny, or being whipped, or made fun of brings Christ glory.. then bring it on." This attitude and really mindset was no doubt not developed overnight. But I really believe it came from Paul being completely and totally satisfied in God, he didn't need comfort, fame, men's praise.. Christ and Christ alone was who/what I believe Paul longed for. Hence in the face of distressing things he is able to say "therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Please remember in prayer David Velke and his family, they left on a short term missions trip for 6 months with his family this past weekend. They are settling down in their house there and will be getting hands-on-mission-training.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,