Scripture
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
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.
Reflection
One of my favorite parts of Scripture comes from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians Chapter 12. Paul tells us that he has a thorn in his flesh that he has begged God to remove. But despite his relenting prayer, the thorn remains. But then suddenly Paul flips the script on us and tells us that he is grateful for that thorn because he has realized that in his weakness, he has found true strength, in his own weakness he is strong because he has to rely on God.
There are a lot of frustrations right now. We have two foster daughters right now who can’t see their families, have lost their friends, their schooling, and are facing a summer where things just continue to be cancelled. We are facing employment uncertainty, concerned about the health of family members, worrying if we will be able to find what we need at stores, and of course wondering whether the next time we go out might be when we encounter someone with the virus. And I know, we are not alone in these feelings or disappointments. We are frustrated because we are not in control. We are frustrated because we want our expectations of our holidays, our vacations, and our lives to go back to “normal.” We are frustrated because this was not a part of our plan, because we are facing uncertainty and insecurity.
I know my gut instinct in times like these is to say, “Why me God? Of all the people in the world, why did you have to do this to me?” But when I take a really hard look in the mirror, I realize God isn’t doing this to me, God didn’t cause this, He isn’t punishing me. God doesn’t want me to hurt or to suffer. But what I am reminded of again and again when I can put my frustration aside and turn to God, is that no matter my circumstance, God can take the greatest tragedy and bring beauty from it. That amidst all the frustration and my desire to be in control of my life, God’s got this and He’s got me. I may have had plans for mission trips and summer camps, cookouts with my family and playing in the park and maybe that won’t happen. But God will take my time in quarantine and He will give me something far greater. I don’t know what that something is right now, but in time I will see the greater picture. For when I put my trust in God, when I focus on Him and rely on Him rather than my own abilities and understanding, that is when I gain true strength. I know there will be beauty beyond my frustrations. And in those moments that I feel most overwhelmed I can be reminded that Paul too asked for the thorn to be removed. But Paul found peace and fulfillment when He turned that thorn over to God and listened for His will in adversity.
Song
Prayer
God, these times are hard and at times the bitter pill of frustration seems overwhelming. I know at times that I am weak but desire so much to control the situations around me even though I cannot. But I also know that you can use my weakness to show your strength and your greater plan for my life. God, give me the understanding that your grace is all I need. Help me to discover the paths which you have made for me and the beauty that can be found in the midst of these difficulties. Be with me in my frustrations and help me to be proud of my weakness, because they reveal to me your strength and protection. Amen.
