devotional post # 2214

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

2Co 12:7  and due to the extreme nature of the revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, a splinter was given me in the flesh, a messenger from Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
2Co 12:8  Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it might go away from  me.
2Co 12:9  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, because my power is completed in weakness.” Therefore I will brag all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may pitch itself over me.
2Co 12:10  Consequently, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ. Because whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

splinters and his sufficiency

Paul had listed numerous instances of his weakness and difficulties. He also highlighted one particular weakness/sickness/handicap (astheneia). He called it a splinter in the flesh. It so disabled Paul that he prayed three times for its removal, but God would not remove it. It was more important to display the power of Christ by enduring the splinter, than by having it removed. In fact, Paul wound up bragging about his handicap. Christ’s power pitched over his life like a tent, and showed that God was sufficient in spite of the splinters.

LORD, we trust you to show your power in us, in spite of our weakness and handicaps.