II Corinthians 12

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (9). Paul had learned that the humility of trials and suffering allowed the Lord’s power to work in his weakness, and he was trying to teach this to the Corinthians. They admired human success and wanted Paul to shine like the “super-apostles” (11), but he accepted insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties “for Christ’s sake”. God worked miracles through Paul (12), yet he supported himself and refused worldly honor (13).

“For when I am weak, then I am strong” (10). We don’t have to be ashamed of the inevitable trials of life. Our weakness opens the door to the presence and power of Christ.