Creator, Father, King #286

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”

OKAY, SO THERE’S THIS guy who went to heaven, came back, and wants to tell you about it.

Hold on! Before you think this is just another modern-day charlatan trying to score a New York Times bestseller, it’s nothing like that.

We’re talking about the apostle Paul!

In 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, Paul reveals one of the most incredible moments of his life. Speaking in the third person, as if reluctant to identify himself as the subject, here’s how he described the experience:

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 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—and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter (ESV).

Afterward, God gave Paul a mysterious “thorn in my flesh” to “keep me from becoming proud” (verse 7). Paul pleaded with God to remove the painful trial, but God simply answered, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (today’s verse).

What’s It Mean?

God’s words to Paul reveal one of Scripture’s most beautiful, yet perplexing paradoxes: God chooses to shine his power brightest through human weakness.

The question is all about glory: who gets it and how. Ultimately, God will be glorified, one way or another. He doesn’t need us to be glorified. But he graciously invites us to be part of his plan, looking for those with “humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word” (Isaiah 66:2).

When God accomplishes great things in us and through us despite our human weaknesses, it highlights his power, majesty, and love that much more. Then he receives glory, which is the whole point.

So we can gladly echo Paul’s conclusion: “Now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (verses 9-10).

Amen!

Now What?

Do you feel spiritually weak? Fear not! Pray for strength, wisdom, and courage to do great things for God even though the world might disregard you (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

Did You Know?

Perhaps Paul was thinking about his heavenly vision when he wrote passages such as 2 Corinthians 4:7 and Romans 8:18.