Humble God-reliance

I see in this passage a remarkable parallel to chapter 1, verses 8-10. In both passages, Paul faced a trial that was too much for him. A trial that overwhelmed him.

In both passages, the lesson was the same: humble God-reliance.

Too often we fool ourselves into thinking we are wise. That we are strong enough to handle whatever may come.

But God never created us to be self-reliant. He created us to be God-reliant.

That’s why he sometimes allows us to face the trials we do. To remind us we’re not as wise or strong as we think we are.

And to bring us back humbly to his feet, hands raised in dependent, childlike trust.

When we do, we find out his grace is sufficient for us. That his power is made perfect in our weakness.

And we can say with Paul,

Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.

So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9b-10)