How are you doing? Are you facing an attack from the enemy?
I have been dwelling over 2 Corinthians 12:9 for several weeks. If you do not know this verse, let me back up a little.
Paul was given a thorn in his side to keep him from being conceited. This thorn was given to him by the enemy. Paul cries out to God three times asking Him to remove this thorn; this weakness, but He said, "no" and He tells Paul that His grace is sufficient. The grace of God is all that Paul would need to endure because His power is made perfect in weakness ( 2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
Now, in my study of this verse (or should I say, these verses), I have come to understand that my struggles are the thorns that are in my side. The aches and pains that I have, due to fibromyalgia, my migraines, my adrenal insufficiency, my carpal tunnel pain, my depression and anxiety. Oh, and the weakness that I feel when I am hit, out of the blue, with the past. All of those things (and many more) are my thorns.
With this knowledge, how do I handle my "thorns"? I turn to God and offer Him thanks for each one of them.
Yes, the pains still hurt. The depression is still hard to deal with, at times. However, when I stop and give thanks to God for them it puts the focus on Him and takes the focus off of my problems. Oh and added bonus, it takes the sting out of the enemy's attack as well.
2 Corinthians 12:9 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.
Other translations:
2 Corinthians 12:9 GNT
But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NLV
He answered me, "I am all you need. I give you My loving-favor. My power works best in weak people." I am happy to be weak and have troubles so I can have Christ's power in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 TPT
But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.
According to dictionary.com
Grace -
1. the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God
2. the influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them
3. a virtue or excellence of divine origin
4. also called state of grace. the condition of being in God's favor or one of the elect
Sufficient -
adequate for the purpose; enough to meet a need
Boast -
a bragging statement; a possession, attribute, attainment, etc, that is or may be bragged about
Exult -
to show or feel a lively triumphant joy; rejoice exceedingly; be highly elated or jubilant
Weakness -
the state or quality of being weak; lack of strength, firmness, vigor, or the like; feebleness
Prayer:
Dear Father,
Thank you for each one of my weaknesses. Thank you for helping me to understand that my struggles, (my aches and pains, my migraines, my anxiety and depression, attacks from the enemy) are all the thorns that are in my side. I know that you have allowed me to have these thorns to help me focus more time on giving you thanks than on my problems. Yes, Father, your grace is all I need to carry me through. Thank you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
4 Tips To Focus Your Prayers
Prayers Equal Love
Pray In Secret
Prayer, Just Start Talking
How are you doing?
Are you facing an attack from the enemy?
How can I pray for you today?
If you will allow it, I will be happy to help carry your load.
Photo credit: andrea piacquadio on pexels.com
I have been dwelling over 2 Corinthians 12:9 for several weeks. If you do not know this verse, let me back up a little.
God's Grace Is Enough
Paul was given a thorn in his side to keep him from being conceited. This thorn was given to him by the enemy. Paul cries out to God three times asking Him to remove this thorn; this weakness, but He said, "no" and He tells Paul that His grace is sufficient. The grace of God is all that Paul would need to endure because His power is made perfect in weakness ( 2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
Now, in my study of this verse (or should I say, these verses), I have come to understand that my struggles are the thorns that are in my side. The aches and pains that I have, due to fibromyalgia, my migraines, my adrenal insufficiency, my carpal tunnel pain, my depression and anxiety. Oh, and the weakness that I feel when I am hit, out of the blue, with the past. All of those things (and many more) are my thorns.
Offer Thanks For Each Thorn
With this knowledge, how do I handle my "thorns"? I turn to God and offer Him thanks for each one of them.
Yes, the pains still hurt. The depression is still hard to deal with, at times. However, when I stop and give thanks to God for them it puts the focus on Him and takes the focus off of my problems. Oh and added bonus, it takes the sting out of the enemy's attack as well.
2 Corinthians 12:9 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.
Other translations:
2 Corinthians 12:9 GNT
But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NLV
He answered me, "I am all you need. I give you My loving-favor. My power works best in weak people." I am happy to be weak and have troubles so I can have Christ's power in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 TPT
But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.
According to dictionary.com
Grace -
1. the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God
2. the influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them
3. a virtue or excellence of divine origin
4. also called state of grace. the condition of being in God's favor or one of the elect
Sufficient -
adequate for the purpose; enough to meet a need
Boast -
a bragging statement; a possession, attribute, attainment, etc, that is or may be bragged about
Exult -
to show or feel a lively triumphant joy; rejoice exceedingly; be highly elated or jubilant
Weakness -
the state or quality of being weak; lack of strength, firmness, vigor, or the like; feebleness
Prayer:
Dear Father,
Thank you for each one of my weaknesses. Thank you for helping me to understand that my struggles, (my aches and pains, my migraines, my anxiety and depression, attacks from the enemy) are all the thorns that are in my side. I know that you have allowed me to have these thorns to help me focus more time on giving you thanks than on my problems. Yes, Father, your grace is all I need to carry me through. Thank you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
4 Tips To Focus Your Prayers
Prayers Equal Love
Pray In Secret
Prayer, Just Start Talking
How are you doing?
Are you facing an attack from the enemy?
How can I pray for you today?
If you will allow it, I will be happy to help carry your load.
Photo credit: andrea piacquadio on pexels.com
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