Hey there!

We’re going to keep our week-long celebration going today with some amazing news found in 2 Corinthians. It’s here the Apostle Paul shares about a weakness of his that he begged God to take away. While he doesn’t reveal the exact nature of his struggle, he does share with us the most important part: God’s response to his pleas and his own concluding thoughts on the matter.

Paul says:

“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:8-10, NLT)

Paul found himself "tak[ing] pleasure" in his weaknesses (v. 10). Can you imagine? But he was able to do so because he realized the power and beauty in being cared for by an almighty God who is always and forever in control. He learned that it’s in those moments of struggle and despair that God can show up and show off the most.

And if you think about it, it makes sense!

I can try to be strong in my own power OR, in my weakness, I can rely on God and His power and be made strong through Jesus Christ. Which will produce the best results? Which will give Him the most glory? Definitely not me trying to figure it out on my own!

And the same goes for you.

So if today you find yourself frustrated and overwhelmed in this battle against toxic thoughts, I want you to hold your head up high and say this to yourself:

I am LOVED.
I am CHOSEN.
I am EMPOWERED.
I can MAKE IT.

ALL because of Jesus Christ.

Because when I am weak, THAT’S when I’m strong.

Praying for you!

Stacy

P.S. Want to learn more about the empowerment of Jesus Christ? Then check out Lesson 6 on pages 61-74 of our Bible Study Companion.

BIBLE STUDY COMPANION

(If completing the BSC lesson digitally, when done, click "Print." Then change the destination to "PDF." This will allow you to save a copy of the BSC with your answers typed in!)

Let’s Chat!

How have you experienced God’s strength in your weakness?

Next Steps:

• Read Chapter 16 of Get Out of Your Head.
• Complete Lesson 6 of our Bible Study Companion (optional).
• Join us for Bible Study LIVE at the Table tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET over on Facebook (optional).
• Come back Friday for a wrap-up of our study!