The Need for Braces

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) 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.

(Proverbs 4 also read)

Every time I come across this word “perfect” I think about how modern Christians seem to get offended by it, or repelled might be a better word.  We shouldn’t be.  It’s a wonderful insight in how God works with his people.

Notice that the “weakness” is in us.  We can’t avoid it.  It is reality.  We are inadequate for what we face in life.  If you think you’re adequate then you’re probably missing what the real challenge is.  But the promise is that God will make us adequate, that His strength is made perfect as He acts as a brace for our withered limbs.  Or you might even think of it as a prosthetic device.

We have a lady at church who walks funny.  I thought she was having hip problems or something along those lines, but it turns out that she had a leg amputated and she’s walking on a prosthetic.  She’s able to get around quite well as long as she keeps in mind that she has this perfection making her weakness adequate.

So?  What are our weaknesses?  I tend to find that I forget I’m getting old.  Sometimes I move too fast.  So far the Lord has kept me from major catastrophe, but in life, we need to be aware of our limitations and learn how to lean so that God can compensate.  

A Different Style of Holiday Buffet

(2Co 12:7 KJV) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

(Proverbs 12 also read)

Does everyone have a “thorn” (4647) in the “flesh” (4561) [sarx]?  The purpose seems to be to keep us humble.  Paul is not clear exactly what it is that holds him back.  There has been a lot of speculation.  The use of “flesh” here would seem to indicate it is something physical, such as epilepsy or a stutter, but it could have been a person.  We don’t know.

Maybe everyone doesn’t need one.  I guess it is possible that some people are so naturally humble they don’t need any extra measure but it seems to me that often the person with the least to brag about is the most cocky.

Most of us are very good at keeping them off the front page.

So?  If you are struggling with a handicap understand you are not alone, unless that is your handicap.  And don’t forget that the good news is God working through our weaknesses. 

The Payoff

(Proverbs 18:12 KJV)  Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

Quickly reading this verse, I get it all wrong.  My first reaction is that the man is standing, staring “destruction” (7667) in the face and is being “haughty” (1361b).  It didn’t seem to make sense, and with good reason.  It didn’t.  The “before” (6440) is in time, not location.

It often seems to us that the arrogant, egotistical type A is the successful stereotype.  On the short term, maybe.  Over the long term this type of behavior will destroy.  God demands the model given by Jesus when He demanded humility.

(Matthew 5:39 KJV)  But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

We are not called to be people who conquer in our own power.  We live in the power of God which works through out submission.

(2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV)  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.

So?  Don’t conquer, console.  Don’t demand your way, delight in His.  You will be much more satisfied with the payoff.