Fledgling Pacific Wren, Woodard Bay Conservation Area, Olympia, WA USA
What good can come out of weakness? St. Paul may have wondered the same thing. In his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul reveals that he had a “thorn of the flesh” that could not be healed. God revealed through Paul the power of trusting in God, even when prayers seem not to be answered.
“Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Cor 12:10
Prayer in weakness and suffering requires great faith. God’s grace, working through great faith, is the strength that Paul is referring to, St. Paul is a spiritual role model. The weaknesses, insults, persecutions and constraints that St. Paul endured are being transformed into God’s glory, even today. Paul could not have imagined the powerful works that God has exhibited through the ages by his faith-filled prayer of uniting his weakness and suffering to those of Jesus Christ.
So, at those times when you are reminded that you are weak, go to prayer, listen to the Lord. Jesus is a master physician. Ask him what he is trying to teach you through your troubles. Give your weakness, even your suffering, to the Lord in prayer and trust that the master physician will work his miracles in transforming you, and others, into the people you were meant to be, just as he did for Paul and is continuing to do in the Church that St. Paul loved so very much.
Peace be with you.
Your friends at A Nature Walk with God.