Avenue to power

I will . . . boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. — 2 Corinthians 12:9

When Tarah was in high school, she had a growing fear that she would someday battle a serious illness. So she began to pray — asking God to spare her from this imagined illness. Then she reached a turning point in her thinking, and she yielded her future to God no matter what.

Years later, Tarah’s doctor found a cancerous tumor, which was successfully treated with chemotherapy. Tarah says that because she had entrusted her future to God, she was ready when the disease came. Her problem became an avenue for God’s strength.

This idea of surrendering to God can be seen in Paul’s life as well. His surrender came after the problem — “a thorn in the flesh” — had developed (2 Cor. 12:7). Paul prayed repeatedly about this difficulty, pleading for the Lord to take it from him. But God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (v.9). Understanding this, Paul adopted a positive view: “Most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong” (vv.9-10).

In facing our fears and struggles, it’s vital that we yield totally to God. When we do, God can use our problems as an avenue for His power. — Dennis Fisher

Whenever life’s burdens oppress you, And trials are too much to face,

Remember God’s strength in your

weakness; He’ll give you His

power and grace. — Sper

READ: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Wielding our power is no substitute

for yielding our will to God’s power.