Tags
2 Corinthians 12:8-10, Encouragement, Entrusting to God?, Faith IN Jesus, Faithful before God, God's sufficiency, Hebrews 11:33-39, Job 13:15-16, Job 19:25-27, Luke 21:28, My Weakness--HIS Canvas, Strength-vs-weakness
Bible Ballistics: BBs #695 My Weakness—His Canvas???
“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,
that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me,
My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect
in weakness.
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory
in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ
may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure
in infirmities,
in reproaches,
in necessities,
in persecutions,
in distresses
for Christ’s sake:
for when I am weak,
then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Paul had an amazing testimony of God’s sufficiency to not only meet our needs, but to bless us and use our weakness as a canvas of HIS grace, strength and provision. We often don’t see God’s plans at a particular time, but when we KNOW HIM, we learn that we can trust to HIS faithful care.
The author of Hebrews told us that those who walk in faith, even when they don’t see what’s really going on, or understand the ways of their Lord, keep trusting HIM. That my friends, is real faith, not getting your own way all the time, or dictating to God! (For a real blessing of faith, read all of Hebrews 11).
“Who through faith
subdued kingdoms,
wrought righteousness,
obtained promises…
…out of weakness were made strong,
waxed valiant in fight,
turned to flight the armies of the aliens…
… 36 And others had trial
of cruel mockings
and scourgings,
yea, moreover
of bonds
and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned,
they were sawn asunder,
were tempted,
were slain with the sword:
they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins;
being destitute,
afflicted,
tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:)
they wandered in deserts,
and in mountains,
and in dens
and caves of the earth.
39 And these all,
having obtained a good report
through faith,
received not the promise:.” (Yet!) Portions of Hebrews 11:33-39
I love what Job said and quote it frequently—and you can trust in it too! So, let’s look at two of Job’s mighty declarations of faith—beyond what his eyes saw at the time! Now, remember that Job was sharing this testimony with his “so-called” friends, in defense of their accusations of his supposed ‘wrong-doing’’, trust God’s opinion, not men’s!
“Though he slay me,
yet will I trust in him:
but I will maintain mine own ways
before him.
16 He also shall be my salvation:
for an hypocrite shall not come before him.” Job 13:15-16
Job knew that, God was not only faithful, but that Messiah would come, and his faith would end in sight—regardless of his own physical death! His canvas revealed God’s work even when the world didn’t recognize it! Ours can too!
“For I know that my redeemer liveth,
and that he shall stand at the latter day
upon the earth:
26 And though after my skin worms
destroy this body,
yet in my flesh
shall I see God:
27 Whom I shall see for myself,
and mine eyes shall behold,
and not another;
though my reins be consumed
within me.” Job 19: 25-27
I simply share these truths with you that we can all take heart in difficult days, knowing that our God reigns—and JESUS is coming again soon! Take heart my friends and look up! God’s canvas in your life can make a difference—trust HIM!
“And when these things begin to come to pass,
then look up,
and lift up your heads;
for your redemption
draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28
Ready or NOT? Here He comes! Amen and Amen!!!