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Glory in my weakness
Richard Waialeale2 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NLT)
1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia.
2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT)
9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
Paul motivated and instructed by deed as well as by words. He did not hesitate to urge the Corinthians and others to imitate his manner of life.
While their material welfare apparently deteriorated, their spiritual well-being increased. Paul points to the grace of God, His unmerited favor. The church had every reason to be sorrowful because of severe trials, “in much testing of troubles,” but they rejoiced. Though in extreme poverty, they could make others rich. Though they had nothing, they possessed everything that really matters. Like Paul, the Macedonian churches had learned that God’s grace is sufficient to take their weaknesses and through them to display God’s power.
The book of Corinthians is full of examples of God’s grace in our weakness.
Instead of hiding and denying our weaknesses, our limitations, why don’t I glory in my weaknesses. If God is ever going to use me greatly, He’s going to do it with my weaknesses, my limitations.
Paul had a handicap and he said, “I glory in my weakness.” 1 Corinthians 15:43.
God is looking for people to use. He doesn’t play favorites, and if I get usable, if I’ll be available - He will use me.
When I begin sharing my weakness, God opens the door to Glory in my weakness – more then anything else. Because now I’m totally dependent on Him.
Dear God, I want You to use me in ways I’ve never thought possible. I want to serve You with all my heart any time, anywhere, any way. Make me usable. Help me to recognize my weaknesses and help me to be honest about them and help me to share them in the right way. Most of all help me to glory in my weaknesses that Your power may rest on my life. Amen.
