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2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Amazing Grace.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV) 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (AMP) But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness.  Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).

INTRODUCTION

   Although God did not remove Paul's physical affliction, he promised to demonstrate his power in Paul. The fact that God displays his power through our weaknesses should give us courage and hope. As we recognize our limitations, we will depend more on God for our effectiveness rather than on our own energy, effort, or talent. Our limitations and weaknesses not only help develop Christian character but also deepen our worship, because in admitting them, we affirm God's strength.
   When we are strong in abilities or resources, we are tempted to do God's work on our own, and that can lead to pride. When we are weak, allowing God to fill us with his power, then we are stronger than we could ever be on our own. God does not intend for us to try to be weak, passive, or ineffective - life provides enough hindrances and setbacks without us creating them. When those obstacles come, we must depend on God. Only his power will make us effective for him and will help us do work that has lasting value. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

The Great Exchange
   Today's scripture is a commonly misquoted and misunderstood verse. So I'd like you to read it again, this time focusing on the great exchange of power.
   Maybe you've always heard that last line this way: "For when I am weak, then He (God) is strong." That is very true. God is strong. But Paul wrote "I."
   I am strong. I am strong because Christ's power lives in me.
   Do you want to be a stronger student, a stronger husband, a stronger wife, a stronger parent, a stronger employee, a stronger leader? Then celebrate your weakness by admitting your vulnerability. Let Jesus embrace you as you are. Accept the invitation to step into His love. Let Jesus infuse His strength into your life. Allow Jesus to give you the power to exchange your weakness for His strength and walk on supernatural waters. Jesus will invite you, then, to do things you could not do on your own - in His power.
   Dear Lord, I acknowledge my own weakness and act in Your holy strength as You empower me to live for Your glory. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio]

COMMENTARY

When Weakness Is Strength
   "It's hard to be humble when you're as great as I am." Lots of people have bragged about themselves, but Muhammad Ali - an Olympic gold medalist, a three-time heavyweight world champion, "Fighter of the Year" (The Ring magazine), "Sportsman of the Century" (Sports Illustrated), and "Sporting Personality of the Century" (BBC) - is legendary. If you confronted him about his boastfulness, his ready comeback was, "It ain't bragging if you can back it up"
   The apostle Paul wasn't one to be grandiose. Far from being a showman, he actually boasted in his weakness. Why? "That the power of Christ may rest upon me." There is a key principle woven into this passage that teaches us about victory when we are feeling down. Even when he was suffering, the focus of Paul's life was not on himself - but on uplifting Jesus.
   Of course, Paul could have boasted and perhaps was tempted to brag about himself. But he wrote, "Lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure" (2 Corinthians 12:7). The apostle was tempted, as we all are, to think more highly of himself than he should. Yet, he called himself "nothing" (v. 12). His weaknesses only reminded him of how much he needed Jesus.
   God's kindness toward Paul was "sufficient." It was enough to carry him through difficult trials, and it is adequate to bring you through your own challenges. When you're down, look away from your weaknesses to His strength.
   Lord Jesus, amid my sufferings, I look to You for strength. May You be glorified in my weakness. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

CLOSING PEARL

If you will seek the Lord and be converted every day; if you will of your own spiritual choice be free and joyous in God; if with gladsome consent of heart to His gracious call you come wearing the yoke of Christ,--the yoke of obedience and service,--all your murmurings will be stilled, all your difficulties will be removed, all the perplexing problems that now confront you will be solved.  MB101

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - Gods Amazing Grace.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240517-0905.html
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230712-0922.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230224-0832.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/