so to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. three times i pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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. 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. [2 corinthians 12:7-10
paul only ever wanted to point those around him back to Jesus. the more glamorous paul appeared, the more eloquently he spoke and the more torah he had memorized, the more tempting it would be to steal God’s glory. he knew the dangers of it.
my weaknesses are my reality, but I wouldn’t have it any other way because i experience God in the depths that i have.
if you measure me, i come up quite literally short at 5’2”.
if you see me, i’m often in physical pain or discomfort from chronic migraines, sinusitis and severe allergies. when i disciple or serve, it’s only possible from the physical strength and endurance God generously lavishes.
if you know me, you know I still get triggered from a physically and emotionally abusive relationship. i’ll never be able to forget, but only through God’s grace towards me and the power of the Holy Spirit, can i wish my abuser well with an abundance of forgiveness.
God is perfect in his character and is the only one that won’t forsake or betray His children. he is the only one worthy of our praise and worship. where we are flawed, He is perfect.where we fail, His promises are true.where we are weak, He is strong.
~ natalie schmidt