Devotion: 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 “Three times I prayed to the Lord about this [Paul’s illness] and asked him to take it away. But his answer was: ‘My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.’ I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ’s power over me. I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong!” This is something we can all empathize with. Many times you’ve been going through hardships, things that became so overwhelming that you simply could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Paul became very ill and he couldn’t stand the discomfort. He begged God to heal him, but instead God told him that his grace was enough. God was not blind to Paul’s suffering, but He gave him the strength to carry his burden with dignity. We would do well to learn the lesson here, Us humans can complain about almost everything. Often we exaggerate things to show others just how bad our lives are. But, if you are indeed struggling, be it financially, healthwise, mentally or with relationships, remember that God is with you in this and that even the pain we endure serves His purpose. You may lose hope now, but in Christ you will always find it again. Our weakness causes us to depend more upon God. Look what the scriptures say: God’s strength manifest in our weakness – Isaiah 40:29: “He strengthens those who are weak and tired.” When you have no other help, God will be your refuge – 2 Timothy 4:16-17: “No one stood by me the first time I defended myself; all deserted me. May God not count it against them! But the Lord stayed with me and gave me strength, so that I was able to proclaim the full message for all the Gentiles to hear….” God will give you daily strength – Matthew 6:34: “So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.” When you fail and have little strength, God will rescue you – Psalm 37:24: “If they fall, they will not stay down, because the LORD will help them up.” Everything has an ending and a beginning. Your suffering will eventually become bearable and you will be able to enjoy wellness again. I guarantee you that, when you look back on your dark times, you will be astounded that you actually came through. Know this, you survived NOT BY YOUR OWN SKILL, but by the GRACE OF GOD. There is a reason behind all the darkness. For me it is a means to learn about my strength and my faith in the Almighty, but also it gives me the ability to talk to other struggling souls with true empathy. Depend on God alone while battling your demons and you will live to share the tale with others. You can be a source of hope to those who have none, because you have had the experience and you can vouch for the loyalty of our God and Saviour. More reading: Deutoronomy 33:25; Daniel 11:34; Psalm 73:26; Hebrews 11:34: Psalm 72:12 Click here to send an email if you need any advice, help or prayer. Scripture source – Good News Bible Ed.2001 Background image: Jonas Ferlin on pexels.com #Devotion #2Corinthians12 #Godsgrace #Faith #Humility