Our scripture this morning is 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT).
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.
Saul the Pharisee came from a place of power. He was given authority to arrest Christians and bring them to Jerusalem to face trial for their faith in Jesus. On the way to Damascus he encountered the risen Christ (Acts 9:1-19) and was forever changed. Now as the apostle Paul, he shares the Good News over a huge territory.
Relying on our own power comes from pride, in ourselves or our organization. Paul came face to face with real power – the love of Jesus poured out for us. In this passage God tells him “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Being outside our comfort zone can make us uneasy, but it allows us to rely on God and not ourselves.
Christian author John Ortberg wrote a book entitled If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat. It teaches about our need to let go of what we think makes us strong and trust what God has for us. Like Paul, we need a reminder of our human weakness that will keep us humble and focused on the power and love God has for every one of us.
Gracious God, You blessed us with Your Son who came in love to save us from ourselves. Help us to know that Your power is all we need to share that love with all the world. Amen.
