“Three different times I begged God to make me well again. Each time he said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.” Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite happy about “the thorn,” and about insults and hardships, persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong—the less I have, the more I depend on him.” 2 Corinthians 12:8 TLB.
According to Psalm 65:2, we serve a God who answers prayers. However, there are times the best answer God can give is a ‘NO’. When that happens you need to appreciate that GOD STILL LOVES YOU. It is out of His boundless love that He has said ‘NO’ to that request. He knows what is best for you. He knows the end from the beginning.
God’s power (strength) shows up in weak people. The only people God cannot use are those who are full of self. Apostle Paul learnt to celebrate the ‘thorn’ in his flesh because it helped him to depend more on the strength only God can give.
Are you faced with difficult challenges? Does it appear your vision, dream or desire has been crushed? Are your resources running dry? Jesus tells us in Revelations 3:2 to “Strengthen the things which remain”.
Anything you hand over to God is never lost, rather it is enhanced. There is no diminishing returns with God. In your own strength you can achieve very little. But if you will hand over what is left to God whose name is El Shaddai, the all sufficient one, you will find Him to be more than enough. David emphasizes this when he wrote in Psalm 44:5-7 TLB “For it is only by your power and through your name that we tread down our enemies; I do not trust my weapons. They could never save me. Only you can give us the victory over those who hate us.”
Glory to God, any challenge is surmountable, through Christ who strengthens us. Stop ruminating over setbacks. Arise! Strengthen what’s left. Hand it over to Jesus. Recovery is possible!
ACTION POINT
- Give your life to Jesus. Say the simple prayer below:
- Dear Heavenly Father, I worship you. I acknowledge that I am a sinner. Please have mercy on me and forgive all my sins. Jesus Christ son of the Living God, I unreservedly surrender my life to you. I confess that you died and rose from the dead for me. Please be my Lord and personal saviour, and grant me grace to live for you all the days of my life. Thank you so much, Lord Jesus. I proclaim I am born again. Amen.
PRAYER
- Heavenly Father, may your name be hallowed. I thank you because I know you love me. I celebrate your wonderful interventions in my life. Thank you for all your answers to my prayers. In your mercy O LORD I ask you to overlook all my shortcomings. I plead the blood of Jesus Christ your dear son and rededicate my life to Him. Jesus I ask you to strengthen me and give me resounding victories over all the challenges (mention them) facing me. I proclaim that through you I shall do valiantly, in Jesus name. AMEN.
DECLARATION
May the Lord grant you overwhelming victories over the forces that fight against you in Jesus name. Amen.
EDIFIER.