“This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead… We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us... 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Cor. 1:9; 4:7; 12:9
Heavenly Father, these verses are a most precious gift—a glimpse into the humanity of the apostle Paul. Help us accept our “jar-of-clay-ness” too.
Paul loved you so much, he risked an “all-in” dependence on your mercy, might, and faithfulness. It was his lifestyle, not the “spiritual-heroics” of a moment. Help us, also, to flee the “cult of competency” and the illusion of self-sufficiency in 2022. Hallelujah, you are “the God who raises the dead,” not the coach who barks commands, holds a stopwatch, and records our performance.
We rarely face deadly perils, like Paul faced. But if the question is, “What is our “this” that requires reliance on you as the God of resurrection?” Our lists include things like health challenges and job changes we didn’t see coming. Marriage, parenting, and relationship stories that rob our sleep and peace, and keep us vacillating between mad and sad. (Friends, be specific with your “this”)
We are grateful you are the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. We trust you for freedom to be weak, sufficient grace, and outcomes than will bring you glory. So Very Amen