"FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST!"

2 Corinthians 12:9-10                     (ESV)

"9 But HE said to me, "MY grace is sufficient for you, for MY power is made PERFECT in WEAKNESS." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of CHRIST may rest upon me.

10 "FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST", then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong!"

Typically I go to bed rather early, waking up a couple of times during the night for restroom breaks and having quiet times to hear from GOD!  Since the surgery on April 11, my sleeping schedule has been very erratic, without the ability to find rest sometimes. The word "emotional" has taken on a WHOLE new meaning, not being able to describe how "vulnerable" I feel at times.  Then late last evening one of my dear friends shared a devotional and 2 Corinthians 12 and how Apostle Paul was content with his weaknesses, for that is when the power of CHRIST was most manifested in his life!!!

Then I started remembering the Brain Hemorrhage I experienced in 2007, how I was feeling extremely "worthless" following the illness.  And again following the surgery a couple of weeks ago, I can't do anything "normal", like lift anything above 8 pounds!  Totally relying on others to help clean you, get your clothes ready to wear, drive you anywhere, answer telephone calls, and on and on, it seems that I have to have help with everything!!

But isn't that what Apostle Paul is saying we should be content in?  Whether through financial difficulties, emotional challenges, rehabilitation issues, or any other circumstance that should happen in my life, when I realize that it is "FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST" it makes it all worth it!  

The Apostle Paul writes that "I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong!"  If he were able to recognize that his "difficulties" were an opportunity to allow CHRIST to be Glorified, why can't I recognize the same?  

FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to SEE that you gained Glory from YOUR SON suffering as HE did on Calvary, and YOU will be Glorified be the minor inconveniences that I endure for YOUR Kingdom.  As long as I realize that it is "FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST" that I endure these afflictions, may HE use me to HIS Glory!!!