“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me’”
March 28, 2020
When Paul wrote that he “took pleasure in his infirmities,” he didn’t mean he was bragging about his sickness. Have you ever met anyone who brags about his sickness? You don't dare ask how he feels, or he'll give you an organ recital.
It wasn't that Paul enjoyed poor health. But Paul learned his weakness could become a strength. God had a higher plan.
It is not God's plan that we escape all trouble. Nor is it God's plan that we merely “endure.” Rather, God wants to enlist your sickness. Your infirmity can be used to reveal His glory. It can be used for Christ’s sake.
There's nothing wrong with praying, “Lord, I want to escape this suffering.” Paul did—three times. Our Lord Himself in the Garden of Gethsemane asked the Father, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” But the Lord had a higher plan. So the first thing we ought to do when we hurt is pray, “Lord, take it away, please.” If He doesn't, ask Him again and continue to ask Him until He tells you that He has a better or a higher plan.
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”