Strength!

Strength!

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. 2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV

Background:

God is awesome. He is future-thinking, and all He does or allows would impact my earthly and eternal reality. For Paul here, he was given some amazing revelations about paradise that he was not allowed to share, but God in his mercy put a guard around Paul's life to keep him from pride and conceit. God showed his paradise, then kept him focused on the right priorities even in the face of pain. That is God for you: he has no issue with releasing His blessings on me, but His desire is to see me reign with Him in eternity. He will do all He can to ensure this happens, even if it means pain, discomfort and inconvenience sometimes. Well, I may call it pain or discomfort, but God calls this part of his plan for my impact, relevance and eternal life. Paul made it clear that God wanted to keep him from conceit, and so put a thorn in His flesh. I would wonder why God would do that, but then I also remember men like Solomon or Samson, who were blessed by God, but who through some careless decisions, almost wrecked their lives. 

Focus:

My knowledge is limited, as well as my understanding of the full purpose of God for my life. I can't know more than the God who calls me His own, fitted me with all I need for life and Godliness, and then planted me in His plan, purpose and place for me. Everything I need to make a success of the place I am in now has been provided, and only a daily dependence on God will guarantee constant supply of grace and help for the journey ahead. At no time can I take my eyes off the One whose help is required at all times. I will not survive on my own, and I will not make it to the end without Him holding my hand every step of the way. It is a life of dependence; at no time am I independent in any way. As I take stock of my life today, are there any achievements I would like to highlight? If I am to be honest, can I say I did them all on my own? Is there any matter in my life that could lead to pride in achievements or possession? I need to take them all to God now and leave them with Him; there is nothing I have or hold now that is mine.

Conclusion:

I am but the product of grace and mercy, and my life's focus, priorities and pursuits must reflect that understanding. Paul knew that quite clearly, and he had no issue with emphasizing his weaknesses and infirmities, as long as Christ was glorified in his life. For me, what is the focus in this age and times we live in? There are no more anchors, or anything that gives you confidence in anything the world has to offer. There are economic and financial crises everywhere, as well as wars and rumours of wars. Nothing is stable, except the man who has his anchor firmly rooted in Christ. Paul teaches me to depend solely on God for everything, and never to look on anything or anyone else. True strength comes from God, not man. True strength comes from who God is, not what man give you or take away from you at anytime. God's power is made manifest in seasons when I am at my own end. I ask the Lord to teach me how to depend on Him for everything, and not to rely on my own ideas or labour. He will, if I ask. God's time of favour is here.