2 Corinthians on WorkSample

While it is true that God “will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear” (1 Corinthians 10:13), the cliche that “God won’t give you more than you can handle” is an unbiblical lie. Paul says so directly in today’s passage. He says the “troubles” and “pressure” he experienced while working in Asia were “far beyond [his] ability to endure.”

Later in this letter to the Corinthians, Paul explains that one of those many “troubles” was “a thorn in [his] flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). Thrice, Paul “pleaded with the Lord” to take this thorn away from him. But God said no, telling Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). In other words, “No, Paul. I won’t remove this thorn. Because I will get greater glory as I produce extraordinary results through you despite your weaknesses.”

God’s words lead Paul to say, “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 12:10).

What challenges are you facing at work today? A sudden loss in revenue? A difficult boss? A “thorn in your flesh” prohibiting you from fully engaging in the work God created you to do? These things may indeed be more than you can handle in your strength. And that’s the point.

May our weaknesses lead us to a greater reliance on the Lord. And may others see God’s great glory as he works through us despite our inadequacies.