PERFECT IN WEAKNESS
Die Daily Footstool Devotional
2 Corinthians 12:6-9 KJVS
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. [7] 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. [8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. [9] 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.
God’s strength in us is at its maximum when our own strength is at its minimum. This balance is always necessary if God’s grace is going to be at work in you.
1. DON’T BE A FOOL. Sticking to do life only by God’s grace is your victory over every altar of foolishness. You become a fool the moment you desire to glory in what you have or can do by yourself. Accepting your brokenness, your pain and disabilities allows for a constant reminder of what you are not, and makes room for God’s grace to rest powerfully on you.
2 Corinthians 12:6a
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool;
2. SAY THE TRUTH. The truth is that you are not as powerful as people see you to be. The truth is that you are not as exalted as people hear you are. There is a way God measures things and it is often different from the way men measure things. If you get carried away by what people estimate you to be, you will most likely end up living a lie. Be quick to say the truth about what you are not and what God’s grace has done.
2 Corinthians 12: 6a
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth:
3. FORBEAR THE PRAISES OF MEN. Forbear= treat leniently, abstain, spare.
Treat leniently the high PRAISES that men have to give to you. Abstain from what people see and report about you that looks glorious. Spare the praises; don’t give them an entrance into your heart.
2 Corinthians 12:6-9 KJVS
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. [7] And lest I should be exalted above measure...
Without the art of forbearance, you will trip over into the realm of pride, bloatedness and exaltation above measure. Stay within the measure or space you have been given by the Lord to navigate the realm of faith and do not allow anything or anyone to tip you over into excesses. Grace will only work so long as you remain within the room of faith that God has allowed you into through the abundance of the revelations He gives to you. Don’t work with or on anything God has not given you insight or revelation into.
4. DON’T GO ABOVE THE MEASURE
2 Corinthians 12:6-9 KJVS
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. [7] And lest I should be exalted above measure...
The praises of men always want to push you ahead of yourself. Be careful. Spare them. Hear it once from them if they bring it forth but never repeat them to yourself. Don’t take them seriously; they can warrant your death and downfall if you do. Don’t get exalted above measure. Don’t step out of the walls God has put you in. Always allow yourself to fit within God’s standard of judgement- that is the measure!. Don’t be found wanting or overweight when you stand upon his scale to be weighed against what He knows He has put in you.
Romans 12:3 KJVS
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly ...
