This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. – 2 Corinthians 4:7
The apostle Paul led a hard life. He survived a shipwreck, persecution, and repeated imprisonment, not to mention the rigors of constant travel, the need to make a living while preaching the gospel, and the continual challenge of a chronic personal issue he described only as a “thorn in my flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7).
And yet he wrote, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
Why was Paul so resilient? He relied on God as the source of his power.
Our problems may be different from Paul’s, but we all struggle with life at times.
To make it through the turmoil, we must be plugged in to a source of power that is greater than what we can generate on our own.
Pretending we are strong only leads to frustration and pain.
But relying on God for our power allows us to live fully and resiliently in the midst of our ups and downs.
Ask Yourself
Can you think of times when you tried on your own to “be strong” in painful or difficult situations? What was the outcome?
What are some practical ways you can “plug in” to God as the source of power in your life?
Ask God
God, I want you to be my power source. I surrender my own powerlessness to your care and lean on your strength. Give me the courage to more consistently surrender my will to your will.
Blessings,
Chaplain Rob