2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV
[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.
As I read and reflect on the words of the verse above, it is important to consider the context in which the words were written. Paul was a man with an ugly past; he had been complicit in the murder of Stephen, as well as the persecution of Christians at the time. In fact, he was on his way to commit further atrocities when he had an encounter with the Light, who is Jesus. His life would not remain the same after that experience, and he became a great tool in the hands of God to prick the hearts of his fellow Jews and to bring light to the Gentiles. Of course, the Jews in Paul's time, just like Jesus', were horrible people who could not stand the truth. They would resist Paul, just as they resisted Jesus, and indeed, Paul had some nasty experiences on his missionary journeys. Let it be clear: no man can truly follow and serve God without having some unpleasant moments. It is part of the package of God's dealings to build up.
As you read the letters of Paul to the various churches he had the privilege of setting up or visiting, his joy in the midst of these nasty experiences was clear for all to see. You have to see differently if you can have all these unpleasant experiences and still be able to speak like the verse above. In fact, earlier in the chapter from where the verse above was taken, you read of Paul's revelation of heaven and the unspeakable words he was not permitted to write down or speak about. With all of the things he saw, the bible records that a thorn in his flesh was given to him, in order to keep him from pride. He asked God at least three times to take away the thorn, but rather than the thorn being taken away, God gave him grace, and plenty of it, so Paul could be able to bear with the thorn. This is where God and His ways can be mysterious; you need a healthy and regular walk with Him in order to see everything he allows the right way.
It is the life of God in me that sustains me in the midst of all that I may experience. Unless I have the right content, I will struggle to fully understand the reason or rationale behind the things God allows. When the content is right, the outflow will also be right. When God fills the heart, I am able to rejoice in whatever comes my way. I can rejoice in infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions and distresses, because I have in me the life of God. The external is not what defines me; it is the inner man that sustains me. That is what I need to sort out. When He is in, I can face whatever comes. In weakness, I am strong. In pain, I rejoice. In physical discomfort, I see lives I can impact with the comfort I have received from God. It is about who I allow to control and influence my life. Who is in charge in your life? Remember: your words will always reflect your control centre. God's time of favour is here.
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