Pushed to my knees!

When Paul proclaimed that he was okay about his weaknesses, because they allowed God's strength to be revealed (2 Corinthians 12), I wondered how I could get to that same place. To be content in all situations is a hard journey to take.

However, as I re-read these words, from Eugene Peterson's paraphrase (The Message), I began to understand more of what this would require from me. And in truth, it is the simple knowledge, that when I am pushed down by my weaknesses and struggles, then I am moved into the best pose for honest prayer!

^7-10 Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first, I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:1-12

Action: If you would like to listen to my 20-minute podcast reflection on this passage, you are welcome to follow this link. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

P.S. Please let me know if the link works for the podcast. Thanks so much 

Doing the work

On the 1st of May many countries around the world pause and celebrate Workers Day (also known as Labour Day or May Day). It is a call to remember the rights of all workers and to draw attention to issues of social justice and plight of millions of people. Each country has its own unique story in this regard and South Africa is no exception. 

The Bible speaks about 'work' in many of the various books, with 56 of the 66 books mentioning work in some form or another. From this we can conclude that work is an integral part of being a human being. Of course, not every person enjoys their work, and many people dream of doing something else, but work is part of who we are. 

Today I want to take a look at a different perspective on work, where the scriptures invite us to put our time and energy into working for peace and love. 

Hebrews 12:14 - Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life...

2 Timothy 4:5 - Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

May the Spirit of Christ work in our hearts so that we may glorify him:

2 Corinthians 12:9 - Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Dealing with bad breaks

 

We will all face a tough times and 'bad breaks' in our lives - what is left for us to decide is how we deal with these. Paul gives us some sound advice for dealing with the bad breaks we will encounter.

Paul suggests (in words of Eugene Peterson):

At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

If you feel as if you have been driven to your knees, then let Jesus take over and allow God's strength to help you through this tough time.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Limitations

Understanding our own limitations can be a very insightful journey to embark upon. It is not a sign of weakness, but rather a place of recognising where God's power is most profound, because our 'success' has nothing to do with our own efforts.


^7-10 Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me..." - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

So, let us get in touch with our limitations and instead of allowing these to defeat us, let them move us to our knees.

Be filled with God's grace today.

Living in Grace
D3LM3