Friday, July 28, 2023 – 2 Corinthians 11:1-12:10
I remember a time when I would have the same reoccurring nightmare of me running a fever and I was in a forest. Trees would give way, falling, and then begin rolling down the side of the mountain. In terror, I would run down the mountain and come to a mountain lake, where I would jump into the lake, but the logs filled the lake, leaving no place where I could come up for air. I would awake in terror every time.
I’m sure that dream probably had some sort of greater meaning at the time. Maybe not. But I think of Paul who describes a vision of the third heaven that he experienced in today’s reading. That vision gave him great insight and fortitude to press onward with sharing the gospel. We read that Paul, like Christ, had asked for the message he had to share to be removed from him, but heard that in his weakness he would be made strong from the Lord.
Some commentators believe Paul may have contracted a disease or that through his persecution, Paul suffered an injury at this point in his life. No matter what Paul is referencing by the ‘thorn in his flesh,’ Paul will flip the momentary pain, struggle, and illness, and see good in it by pointing to the fact that Christ has already won a victory over it.
I have always been amazed by the strength of individuals who have had to overcome rare diseases, paralysis, long bouts with cancer, and injury. How about you? I find great inspiration in individuals who overcome the odds and find a way of living with a disease or disability that brings greater purpose to not only themselves but to others.
Paul writes, “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.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Questions for reflection:
- Both Jesus’ and Paul’s gentleness were misunderstood as weakness. How has that resulted in blessing (see Matthew 5:5)?
- How do you react when God appears to be silent in answer to your urgent request?
- How do you feel about God’s promise in verse 9?
- Finally, how has God worked in and through you during a time of weakness?
Lord, we pray, and pray, and pray “Your will be done.” And safely resting in that will, we prepare to go on, no matter what is ahead. Help us to know that you will make us strong when we are weak, and we are more than able to do the hard things through Christ our Lord. Amen