We will all fail in living up to the standards of a righteous and just God. That’s why we need the grace found in the LORD. In His love and grace, Father God disciplines us to keep us safe and in line with His precepts lest we yield too much to temptation and fall prey to its pull.
RELEVANCE
I can remember a particular time during which my life began to undergo a major shift. Various proposals and opinions were presented to me. Random thoughts and a variety of options also surfaced. A response that continued to rule my mind, however, was simply, “I’m not willing to do that.” Stubborn you might think? Absolutely!
Well, God knew how to bring me to my wits end, and ultimately, my senses; better yet—His will! He knew what I needed to go through before I was very willing to do whatever He asked me to do—joyfully!
Paul was frank about his weaknesses. He learned how in such a very state of weakness, the LORD’s strength is made perfect.
“And 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. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:6-10).
Truly, the LORD’s strength is made manifest by the Holy Spirit. Our true strength is not found, “by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
REFLECT AND RELATE
How does God bring you into subjection?
Ask the Holy Spirit to comfort you in treacherous times where your will is tested.
REFERENCES
1 Corinthians 10:1-32