2 Corinthians 12 & 13

This morning I went to the doctor for my annual physical. A “physical” is simply an insurance term for checking off the boxes to see if a person is “healthy.” My doctor is always great and takes time to evaluate not just how I’m doing physically, but also personally. He takes time to consider me as a whole person – not just as a patient…and for that I’m very grateful.

On days like today I’m reminded that I am aging. Things don’t work as well as they once did. I have back pains, neck aches, and now I get to have a sleep study. Am I really old enough that I need a machine to help me breathe. I know Ashley sure would like to hear me snore less, so if it helps – bring it on!

In all this talk of health and aging, I’m reminded during this scripture reading of my frailty. My weakness. It’s not easy to consider our weaknesses. We all have weaknesses in our physical health, but also in our mental and spiritual life too. Sometimes those are even harder to face. But the truth is – we all sin. We all fall short. None of us is perfect.

So, when I read Paul say, “…I delight in my weaknesses…” (2 Cor 12:10) I take notice. Do I really delight in my weaknesses, or do I try to hide them. Do I rejoice when I struggle or do I try to cover it up and pretend I’m fine. When someone asks, “how’s it going?” – do I say… “fine.” Paul reminds us all that it’s in our weakness that God finds us and is willing to use us anyway. In fact, He wants to use our weaknesses to show His glory. May we rest in that today. Use me Lord – even with all my imperfections. May I be a witness of your grace.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9-10‬