2 Corinthians 12:9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Very few Bible readers come away from scripture thinking of Paul as being a weak warrior or inferior communicator of the gospel. You most likely think of him as being a man of great faith, great spiritual strength, and great perseverance. However, Paul gives us insight into some of the interpersonal dealings that went on inside of his heart. Listen to some of Paul’s circumstances that created an opportunity for doubt and discouragement and see if you can identify with one or more.

• Paul prayed for God to remove a problem and the answer was no. Have you ever prayed for God to remove a problem and the answer was no? That is exactly what happened to Paul. The Lord told him that the grace of God inside of him was more than enough to defeat that which was coming against him. I suggest the same is true for you today. The grace of God on the inside of your life is well able to defeat any force that comes against your life.

• Paul was keenly aware of his limitations. Have you ever allowed what you can’t do keep you from doing what God has called you to do? Perhaps you tried to share your faith and failed. Maybe you tried to serve and made a big mess. Paul was aware that He needed help. However, also discovered that the help of God was more apparent to others than his personal weakness. If you can learn to operate in God’s power despite your lack of control, He will be seen through you.

• Paul had people speak negative things about Him. If you try to do anything for God, you can be sure that the accuser of God’s people will make sure he has agents present to attack your motives and ministry. It happened to Jesus, it happened to Paul, and it will happen to you. Realize that this is evidence that you are in good company. Paul said he learned how to allow this persecution to become an opportunity for rejoicing, for the more his weakness was exposed, the more God’s power was exposed.

Today’s Challenge: Realize that your weakness is an opportunity for the glory of God to be seen through you. God has a track record of using weak warriors to do exploits for Him.