2 Corinthians 12:5-10
Overjoyed Weakness

On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

New Revised Standard Version

In a section of this letter where Paul chastises the church in Corinth for the abundance of their boasting, Paul slips in a couple of the more interesting "mysteries" about his life. The first part of the chapter, not included above, deals with heavenly visions. In this section is an unspecified "thorn in the flesh."

Getting past the intrigue of figuring out what Paul meant in these statements, and setting aside the issue of boasting for this time, what we do have in this passage is a startling contradiction of our human nature, that of finding joy in our weaknesses.

A friend of mine shared her story with me this week that illustrates the power and timelessness of this theme. She and her two daughters had to vacate their house six weeks ago when Hurricane Charley caused extensive roof damage and interior water damage.

Her life hadn't been easy up to that point as it was, and as a family, they already had more than "their share" of problems and struggles. At each of these past problems, my friend had resolved to try harder, work more diligently, and pull her family closer together through the difficulty. But with the loss of the house, she couldn't do it anymore.

As she tells it, it was exactly when she finally "gave up" trying to stay in control of everything that God could start answering her prayers. When she let God take control, miracles of generosity and caring cascaded on her and her family. Close friends and strangers offered housing, transportation, clothing, food, and goods to replace what had been damaged. Being forced to stay temporarily with others brought her love and friendship she hadn't noticed before.

She is overjoyed in the aftermath of this personal disaster. She feels she has been blessed far beyond overflowing, with a stronger faith and closeness to God than she has ever had before. She readily acknowledges all the work to be done and all the struggles ahead to get the house back to livable condition and to make it their home again. To her, each of those challenges is now another opportunity for God to lead, another chance to exercise her faith and let God do what God knows is best for her and her family.

It sounds strange, she said, but this has been the best experience of her life.

We should want the same overjoyed surrender for our lives!