Saturday, July 25, 2026

Scripture

“Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9a

Reflections

There is something profoundly powerful about a person of faith who has experienced adversity.

In 1967, Joni Eareckson Tada took a dive into the Chesapeake Bay after misjudging the shallowness of the water.  The misjudgment resulted in a spinal fracture that left her a quadriplegic at the age of 17.  During her rehabilitation, she experienced anger, depression, suicidal thoughts, and even moments of doubting her faith.

But God was not finished with her.  She learned to paint with her teeth.  Over the years, she found opportunities to reach people with the good news of Jesus.  She has written over forty books, hosted a daily radio show, recorded several musical albums, starred in an autobiographical movie of her life, and advocated for people with disabilities.

The Apostle Paul lived with adversity, something he called his “thorn in the flesh”.  God did not remove it from him.  Instead, God used the weakness as a strength.  Paul learned that God’s grace was sufficient.

Is God’s strength being made perfect in the weaknesses of your life?  How can he make something good of it?

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for what you do with even the worst in my life.  Help me to see ways you can make something good from something bad, for your grace is sufficient for me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10