THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Corinthians 10-11
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)
The world values strength, charisma, skill, success, money, numbers, etc.
Too often the church plays this game too, trying to put on a good show.
Paul admits that he is a poor speaker, and unimpressive compared to others.
But his strength and power are not in eloquence but in devotion and self-denial.
Like Jesus, he sacrifices himself so that others will benefit and be blessed.
As a pastor, I can relate to the lure of personal ambition and competition.
To lead a church with impressive attendance, worship, preaching, programs…
But these are NOT the weapons that Jesus needs, He needs our love and devotion.
Paul says our weapons have divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4).
Do I trust that a weak, stumbling message can have a God impact?
Do I trust that my fumbling words can comfort or convict, with His help?
Just showing up, listening, and praying, often feels weak and useless.
But this is where God loves to show up, to do great things through small.
“I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” (2 Corinthians 11:30)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to measure myself with others. To see myself as You see me. And while You’re at it, please show Your power!
Proclaiming the good news by word and deed. Small steps which will increase in time. Being fed by ‘milk’ and in time ‘solid food.’ Know the limits and grow. Grow in the Lord. And work in His power. Focus on what He desires. Not on selfish desires. Just do the work and God will bring the results. It is all in His hands.
1 Not what these hands have done
can save this guilty soul;
not what this toiling flesh has borne
can make my spirit whole.
Not what I feel or do
can give me peace with God;
not all my pray’rs and sighs and tears
can bear my awful load.
2 Thy work alone, O Christ,
can ease this weight of sin;
Thy blood alone, O Lamb of God,
can give me peace within.
Thy love to me, O God, not mine,
O Lord, to Thee,
can rid me of the dark unrest,
and set my spirit free.