Jan 3. 2009

"...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor 12.9

I don't think there is a need for me to elaborate on the context of this verse from Paul, although a reading from the beginning of the chapter to the following verse (10) will prove to be encouraging for strugglers like myself.

This has been my verse of mediation this weekend. While needing patience this weekend I wandered to this phrase like all great scholars by looking up verses in the back of my Bible that had keywords like "strength" in them. I've tried to hold fast to at least a cursory understanding of this oft quoted phrase, but today I went a bit deeper and found out that Paul was uttered these words from Jesus while at a very desperate and insufficient part in his life. Infirmities were hassling his view of himself. Today, my hassel has been detachment and insignificance. My couch is broken in and my feet are itching for something to do, but the real issue is detachment from people in the midst of friends being present. How is that?

My match is my mind and I'm wrestling it constantly to know that Paul in his insufficience was instructed that his sufficiency (this word also means "to be possessed of unfailing strength") was not of his concern. Neither is mine. The truth still remains that unfathomable and deliberate grace continues to prove through generations of doubters and strugglers that weakness is necessary. Weakness - not a popular maxim in our world. Weakness - a prerequesite to Kingdom living.

Insufficence is actually a strength. Hmm... go figure. Jesus better come through on this one. :)