Morning Reflection: “Finding Strength” … “It works if you work it, God’s plan for your life…”
Good morning. Great is His faithfulness.
FINDING STRENGTH IN THE LORD
PHILIPPIANS 4:13
I can do all things through [a]Christ who strengthens me.
"If we take God's program, we can have God's power- not otherwise."
E. STANLEY JONES
2Corinthians 12:5-10
5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. 6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.
The Thorn in the Flesh
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to [a]buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
St. Paul is saying here unlike his opponents, who they publicly proclaim their own greatness in their mystical experiences, Paul sees HIS THORN IN THE FLESH - (v. 7) as GIVEN TO him precisely so he may not BE EXALTED. What was the thorn? Could have been a chronic physical problem, or even false teachers, or a hard hearted Isaraletlies. For Paul, his WEAKNESS - (v. 9; see also v. 5), not his mystical experiences- (see, vv. 2-4), is the means of THE POWER OF CHRIST remaining in him.
Great quote and it's spot on like I say all the time it works if you work it my brothers and sisters in Christ.
ADDITIONAL READINGS
(1Chronicles 19:13, 2Timothy 12:9, Ephesians 6:10, Exodus 15:2, Isaiah 40:31' and Jude 1:1-10- The judgment of such false teachers, and The character of false teachers - Luke 22:39-42, 45-71; 23:1 - Jesus watches in the garden, Jesus arrest, and before Pilate.
Numbers 6:24-26
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord [a]lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” ’
In Christ love Jared W Campbell