The Aposte Paul is a brilliant man, well educated, articulate, organized, energetic and charismatic. All of these character traits make for a great leader, but there is only one trait Paul lifts high over and over again to the churches he started and served. It surfaces many times in his letters to the Corinthians, Jesus tells Paul, “My grace is sufficient in you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:8 (beginning) The only thing Paul ever really brags about is his weakness, his trials, being shipwrecked, beaten, stoned, snake bit and imprisoned. Anything that is not a weakness is “garbage” he tells the Philippians. Why?
Being gifted, educated, articulate, energetic, charismatic are wonderful things to have for the humble. They are not so great for the proud. Paul understands that humility keeps us close to God. God blessed Paul with a “thorn in the side,” something that humbled him and would not go away. He asked God on several occasions to intervene, to remove the thorn. God said no, and that was a great blessing to Paul. It kept him humble. Sometimes we bemoan our difficulties in life, our own thorn. It is a far better choice to consider it a path to intimacy with God we would never otherwise have.
So stand with Paul, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:8
~Grace & Peace~
Pastor Ernie