The apostle Paul received revelations and visions from the Lord, and used this in his ministry to encourage others to grow in their relationship with Christ. He could have boasted about this closeness with God, but he did not want credit from anyone. His goal was to proclaim Christ and give Him the glory. The Bible says that to keep Paul from becoming proud, he was given a thorn in his flesh, which was a messenger from Satan to torture him and to keep him from becoming proud. Paul tells us that he asked God three different times to take it away, but God told him that all he needed was His grace and that His power worked best in weakness. Paul went on to tell us that he started to take pleasure in his weaknesses because when he was weak, then he was strong.

It must have been really hard for Paul to stay strong in his weaknesses. However, it seems like the more he suffered, the more he grew in faith. Paul faced many struggles, and so do we. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul tells us to imitate him just how he imitates Christ because Jesus went through the same temptations and struggles that we do. So, just how Paul took pleasure in his weakness, so should we. I am not saying that we have to want to struggle, but if we do struggle, we should take it as an opportunity to grow closer to God. It is in the hard times that we realize how much we need God to help us, which is why God allows us to go through hardships. The only way to succeed is through the help of our Lord, Jesus Christ. For when we are weak, then we are strong.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for helping me through the hard times, and for giving me your grace and power. Please remind me that You are all I need and that Your power is perfected in my weakness. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NLT)

Today’s Encounter was written by: Gianna B.