The River
Day 18 - 2 Corinthians 12:9
Scripture
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Reflection
I love this verse so much! It was written when Paul was defending himself to the church in Corinth. Basically, these well-educated “super apostles” were spreading rumors that Paul wasn’t boastful, educated, or captivating enough to be a public speaker. So he responded by boasting about his weaknesses and the suffering he experienced for the gospel. He bragged about how Jesus used every weakness he had and every awful experience to His glory.
Moses actually denied his calling five times before He was obedient. He said, “I have never been eloquent … because my mouth and tongue are sluggish.” He felt underqualified to speak to Pharaoh to tell him that the God of Israel wanted him to let the Israelites go. In Exodus 3:14, Yahweh responded to Moses by saying, “I am who I am,” meaning that God was qualified. Moses’ confidence should be in God, not himself. The Lord is not worried about you being qualified. He is calling you to obedience.
As a teacher, we were always told to meet our students where they’re at. Meaning that every child comes in at a different level, and it’s our responsibility to find out what they already know and help them to close the gap and grow. That’s exactly what God does for us! He is the best teacher. When Moses still felt unqualified to speak to Pharaoh, God sent Aaron to speak on Moses’ behalf.
God knows each and every one of His children’s strengths and weaknesses. His grace meets us exactly where we are, and He fills us with everything we need to grow closer to Him and live according to His purpose. He fills us with the Holy Spirit and watches us bloom to our full potential!
Prayer
Father, thank You for being the best teacher! Thank You for Your grace when I fall short. Thank You for meeting me in my weakness and using it for Your glory. Please remove from my life anything that hinders growth. Please help me bloom and fulfill my purpose in Christ. I come into full alignment with the calling You’ve placed in my life, and bind up any spirit that snuffs out the fire You’ve placed in my heart. I ask all this in Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflection Question
What shortcomings hold you back from being fully obedient to the Lord?
What would it look like to step into obedience anyway and trust God to fill in the gap?
Thank You!
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English Standard Version (ESV)
The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.