2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
As studied in other lessons, Paul weakness was his physical affliction. He had what he called his “thorn in the flesh” and he prayed three times for God to remove it. (Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, for the entire background)
God did not remove Paul’s thorn in the flesh and told him “My grace is sufficient for thee.”
God gave Paul this affliction in order that he would never become conceited about the revelations that he received from God, and Paul realized that his affliction actually reveals God’s strength.
There are many examples in the Bible showing God’s strength becoming evident when people are weak or afflicted.
One example is Jesus, on the cross of Calvary.
2 Corinthians 13:3-4 KJV
3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
Jesus, the Son of God (God incarnate) allowed Himself to be crucified, even though He could have called 10,000 angels to defeat the Roman army and spare His life.
Was it because he was weak? Was it because He was powerless? The answer is emphatically NO, to both.
Yes, He was crucified in weakness in one way of looking at it, because He allowed it to happen. It was the will of the Father. It could not have happened unless Jesus ALLOWED it to happen.
Jesus’ weakness was true strength, and He lives by the power of God.
HOW ARE WE STRONG THROUGH TRIALS & AFFLICTIONS?
So, how do we translate this to our lives? How do our trials and afflictions reveal God’s strength in us?
(1) First of all, as long as we handle everything through our own strength, we cannot fully understand the power and strength of God. When we think we are capable of taking care of our problems, we don’t stop to realize the influence and power of God in our lives. Trials and afflictions force us to consider and realize the ultimate power of God in our lives.
(2) Trials and afflictions have a way of removing pride and self-dependency from our lives. We then look beyond ourselves, to God, for our strength and peace.
2 Corinthians 12:7 KJV
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
(3) Afflictions and trials stir our Christian hearts into stronger and more fervent prayer and communion with God. When afflictions and trials come our way, we naturally turn to prayer in a more fervent manner and feel his presence and strength more in our life. Through trials and afflictions, our faith and trust in God will grow.
(4) Afflictions and trials stir in our Christian hearts the desire for more understanding of God’s Word.
Psalm 119:71 KJV
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
(5) Perseverance through trials proves and strengthens our relationship with God and allows us to have compassion for others.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 KJV
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
(6) Afflictions and trials often remind us of the very short amount of time we have in this life and that each day is a gift from God. When we understand that each day of this life is a gift from God, we become more thankful and joyous.
James 4:14 KJV
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Psalm 90:12 KJV
12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Psalm 118:24 KJV
24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
GOD'S STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT
Through our afflictions and trials, God’s strength is made evident in our lives.
As Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 12:9, God told him that “His strength is made perfect in weakness.” In other words, God’s strength is made perfect in OUR AFFLICTIONS & TRIALS.
What He wants us to fully realize is that He is in total control. He is the creator and master of all things and we must learn to depend on Him.
We must learn to become totally committed to Him, always looking to Him for our strength and peace.
In our trials or affliction, if we trust and depend on God, we will find His peace and strength, turning our weakness into His magnificent power and strength.
Whatever trial or affliction we may face, God’s grace is sufficient for us. He will never leave us nor forsake us, and He will see us through all things.
Truly, when we are weak, we then become strong through the grace of God.
2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
RVH