Apostle Paul or me ?

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 is a passage where Paul has some profound things to say about the theme of strength in weakness. And I want us to begin by reading this passage.

 

(Paul the Apostle)

"to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong".  

 

 

(me, a vessel)

If I’m weak in the flesh and yet chosen, ordain to do the powerful work’s of the spirit, then the spirit bears my weakness in the flesh. And if the spirit contends with my weakness I have become powerful. If the spirit actuates my life force, then I have overcome my greatest adversary. For it has become my strong-hold, in my contemptible state.

So being weak in the flesh, and contemptible...the spirit takes pleasure that I have fought a great battle in my extremities. Left for dead...died many times, yet powerful to on-looker’s, humble in understanding.

Internalized by my conflict, and much aware of how its utilized, weaponized against me, here again is my helper. The power over the spirit working it’s ancient secret formula. The flesh and weakness have become silent in their activities as the faith bears all, supports it all...that we have overcome and never left behind.

So what is asked of us ? We don’t indulge in the flesh or weakness, yet their ever present ! Does the helper take pleasure in our lowest point ? See for yourself, if He adopted us in our lowest point, certainly his goal would be to make us greater in our highest ! Men/Woman of little faith, how many times can a heart break, and how many times can it mend ? If He can see through all our short-unsightliness, why can’t we ?

Raphael G