Lies I Believe Part 5: God Won't Give Me More Than I Can HandleSample

WEAKNESS IS STRENGTH

Reflection:

Sometimes God will give you more than you can handle because He wants to show His power through your weakness.

Consider the apostle Paul again. In 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10, he describes an interaction that he has with God about an ongoing “thorn in his flesh” that really bothered him. We don’t know for sure what the specific issue was, but it was frustrating enough that Paul pleaded with the Lord repeatedly to take it away from him. Now Paul had been through a lot during his missionary travels—prison, shipwrecks, floggings, beatings, robbery, hunger—you name it, he had likely endured it. Paul was only human, but in faith, he had learned to find his source of strength in God, not himself. Yet here was something so personal and so wearisome that Paul pleaded for its removal. Given Paul’s faithfulness, it seems a bit surprising that God did not take it away. Instead, He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” At that, Paul understood that if he continued to bear the weakness of the “thorn,” then God would receive the glory for whatever he may accomplish in spite of that weakness.

Looking back at 2 Corinthians 4: 6-18, Paul gave a beautiful illustration of that concept, describing it as “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God” shining out of “jars of clay,” which are the hearts of believers. He continued on to explain that this juxtaposition of perfect power to imperfect vessels is intentional so that there can be no mistake where the light and power originate—God alone.

Paul’s response to this is an example for everyone who struggles and strives to serve God amidst turmoil and tears. He did not grow discouraged or doubt God’s calling, and he did not respond with anger or frustration at the denial of his request. Instead, he embraced his weaknesses and rejoiced in how they amplified God’s power to accomplish His purposes.

Ask Yourself:

Where do your thoughts and emotions tend to go when you are in the middle of something that you know God could change, but He doesn’t?

Can you think of any times that He used one of your “thorns” (areas of weakness) to really shine His glory?

Pause to Pray:

Open your Bible to Psalm 139, and read through it as a prayer from your heart today.

Take a Next Step:

Make a list of three weaknesses or challenges that often frustrate you. Spend some time talking to God about His purposes in them and asking Him for revelation on how He can be glorified through them.