2 Corinthians 11-12

  Paul humbly considered himself a "fool" in comparison to others who had come to the church in Corinth trying to promote themselves as better leaders than him.  He only wanted the church to be safe from false teachers and to keep "simple and pure devotion to the Messiah".  

Paul's qualifications would not be the kind you would find on a modern resume.  He writes.. "I've worked much harder, been imprisoned more often, suffered more beatings, been near death over and over... "  These "weaknesses" Paul says, are what he will" boast about". 

Though Paul had great spiritual successes and amazing experiences of visions and miracles, he still admitted that he was weak.  He also suffered from " a thorn in [his] flesh".  He was told to rely on God's promise that -  " My grace is enough for you; My power is bought to perfection in weakness."  And he lived in reliance upon that promise.    Paul was not ashamed of his suffering or his weakness.. for he wanted only to see people saved and built up in Christ Jesus, so even his suffering was worth it.

Chapter 13 Paul ends this letter with a challenge:
"Examine yourselves to see whether you are living the life of trust.  Test yourselves."

How do we test ourselves?  "Don't you realize that Yeshua the Messiah is in you? - unless you fail to  pass the test?" What is the proof of Christ's presence in us?  It is not the same proof that Paul claimed - God's power brought to perfection in [our] weakness?  

His prayer was for them to be righteous and perfect in Jesus.  He prayed for their "shalom" - peace - wholeness and rest that is found in Christ alone.  We need to pray this too!

Father in heaven, we willingly confess that we are weak and that You alone are strong.  We want to be found doing what is right, living in reliance and confidence in Your amazing grace.  You are able to bring us to perfection in Christ Jesus.  We have no other hope.  Thank You for the assurance that we have that You will never fail us.  Your grace is sufficient for each of us. Let Your power be seen in us so that You will receive all glory and honor and that people will be saved through the word of our testimony.  Come and fill us Holy Spirit.  Let the love and power and goodness of Christ be manifested in our lives today.  Amen.