05.05.21 | Strength in Weakness
In today’s BREAD reading from 2 Corinthians 12, Paul shares about his weakness and, though he doesn’t specifically explain what this weakness is, he does say that he has pleaded with the Lord to take it away. Jesus responds to Paul’s plea with the words, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (verses 9).
After hearing Jesus’ words, Paul declares,
“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” (verses 9-10).
During today’s fasting and prayer focus, identify a specific weakness in your life and invite Jesus into this space. Like Paul, you may be hoping this weakness would be taken away. Ask the Lord if there is something specific what He wants you to know, and wants to reveal through your weakness.
Meditate on Jesus’ words, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (verse 9). Then, spend time in prayer, listening for Jesus’ voice today. Every time a feeling of weakness arises in you, ask the Lord where His strength is in your weakness. As you pray and hear from the Lord, journal about your interaction and impressions.
As always, we encourage you to share what you’re learning with a brother or sister in your community. This week, consider sharing how the Lord meets you in your weakness and provides you with His strength.