August 13-15, 2010
2 Corinthians 12
Pastor Paul Turbedsky
Strength in Weakness - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
“…My power is made perfect in weakness.” (verse 9)In these verses, Paul shares his little secret for staying humble: “… there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” (verse 7) Have you ever felt as though you were being tormented by a “thorn”?
About this time last summer, I became mysteriously ill and stayed that way for the next six months. Six doctors across two states couldn’t find anything, yet I was still experiencing a host of symptoms. I was plagued with ongoing headaches and lost any stamina for physical labor, with long bouts of fatigue that kept me from exercise. There were sleepless nights, followed by days when I’d be in bed for 16-18 hours. I had trouble reading for comprehension. I was a mess!
Then, as mysteriously as this illness came, it dramatically left me. I don’t know if the illness was my “thorn,” or if it was planted after the illness. Now, seven months after the day I first felt better, I can’t exert myself like I used to – pacing myself and doing less. Gone are the days of working 12-14+ hours, and no more 300-pound bench presses. I also have to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Mentally, I can read with comprehension, but not for long time periods. I also have a much lower threshold for stress. Emotionally, I find myself more sensitive – becoming teary-eyed more easily than in the past.
These things frustrated me initially, because I felt that there was less of me. I had challenging thoughts about not being able to be as effective in ministry. Yet in my “weakened,” “less-than-before” state, I find that I am having wonderful days of ministry – growth in some areas, new elements being introduced, other areas maturing. I am more patient and relaxed about things, as long as I live balanced days. I am experiencing what Paul did when he penned the words of verse 10: “… For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
The mystery illness left a “thorn” in me, carrying a reminder that I can’t do it all like I used to…and that I have limits. When I push these limits, my body reminds me of the thorn. It reminds me that God’s grace is sufficient for me (verse 8). It offers a reminder that where I come up short - where I am weak - only Christ can make up the difference. I am not frustrated any longer with my new “normal,” but see it more as a gift than a thorn. It has me seeing that I continue to need more of Him in me…than more of “me” in me. It humbles me, and I am blessed to be able to do what takes place each day.
Be blessed, be good to yourself, and be sure to take good care of yourself. God has a lot of great things in store for you. If you have a “thorn”…of what is it reminding you?
When asked about his favorite Bible character, Pastor Paul identified the Apostle Paul as “a man who experienced a radical transformation and went from persecuting Christians to preaching the gospel.”
