Power in Weakness
By David Feddes 

1 I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.


Thorny questions

  • What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh?
  • Who sent the thorn to Paul?
  • How should we pray in affliction?
  • When should we stop requesting?
  • Why would a thorn not be removed?


Why not healed?

  • Failure to ask
  • Lack of faith
  • Refusal to repent
  • Don’t want health
  • Bound by demon
  • Divine purposes


Power in weakness

  • Protection from pride
  • Faith in sufficient grace
  • Closer union with Christ
  • Stronger inner self
  • Able to comfort others
  • Giving all glory to God

Power in weakness
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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me… For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor 12:9-10)


Modifié le: mardi 25 juillet 2023, 13:20