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. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)
Weakness and Strength
Canada’s economic base is diverse. In addition to our mineral and petroleum resources, Canada is among the world’s leaders in fisheries, forestry and agriculture. Canada’s traditional strengths in manufacturing have been challenged by recent exchange rate shifts but appropriate adjustments are being made to pursue greater productivity and our manufacturing sector will adapt. Canada’s economy derives further strength from its burgeoning services sector. The mix of traditional and emerging products and services is a powerful basis on which to compete.
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The world says “be strong, stand on your own two feet, you can do this.” And there is nothing wrong with encouraging someone to do their best and work hard to succeed. But what happens when you are facing the giants? What happens when what you are asked to do is beyond what you can do, or accomplish? The Apostle Paul was called to take the good news of Jesus Christ to the Gentile nations. Paul recognized that what the Lord was asking of him was not humanly possible. He writes this in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: “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. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” In the upside down kingdom of God, when we are weak, and admit our need, God provides His strength. God never gives an unfunded mandate. Those He calls, He equips. Trust Him for strength for all you are facing today.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley