in my weakness…

i have always had an attraction to the following reading. most of it was in this morning’s prayer:

“…Therefore, that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 cor 12: 7-10

st paul’s famous “thorn in the flesh” was something that he could not expel from his own power. but it was given to him as a gift that he might not become too proud. he did not want it. he needed grace to see it differently. here was the grace:

power is made perfect in weakness

we our weakness, we realize our humanity and the various limits and constraints that exist within us and our world. we are only part of creation– not the creator. in our weakness, we must rely on God.

in our best moments, we know that God dwells within in us. this is true strength. but we enter into it through paradox. love comes to us in an opposite way of thinking. in the business of life, we can forget…

when we are weak, it is then that we can be strong– because of grace, because of Christ in us.

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Oh Holy Spirit, help us today know your grace-filled love in the weakness that we experience. help us know in our hearts that you dwell within us and that nothing can take that away