KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Wednesday, December 07, 2016
Chapters: II Corinthians 10-13
Message: When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong
Hello My Friend,
Weak, Having little physical strength; feeble. Our bodies are amazing, God designed them in a way that they have the ability to heal themselves, but since we are cursed with death (until Christ returns) they do not always function the way God designed them. I use to be rather strong, but like every body that does not endure some physical activity gets weak rather if it is not in motion I lost a lot of my strength when I stopped working out. I started going to the gym this year and my strength is gradually increasing, but all it takes is a week or two of minimal activity for me to start losing it again. I also realize something else, if my mind or spirit is weak, my body is weak, therefore, it is important that we not only get some physical activity in we also need to keep our mind and spirit active also, and it all starts with Jesus Christ. “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” – Psalm 18:2.
If you were to look at someone their appearance often shows who they are on the inside, apparently some of the Corinthians were questioning whether or not Paul knew Christ because of his appearance. While we never have to justify ourselves because Christ knows who we are, Paul thought it necessary to remind them that appearance has nothing to do with knowing one is saved.
“But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s. For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” – II Corinthians 10:2-4,7,10-12.
“such will we be also in deed when we are present.” I was talking to someone who started comparing their time with God with mine, I let her talk and just said that is why Jesus said the last will be first and the first last because it is not how long we have been saved what matters is what we do after we are saved. People are great at preaching, but the real proof is in their actions. While only God knows who truly are saved, our actions often give off who we really are, if you look carefully subtle hints will give them away. As Christians, we are in a war, a spiritual war, one that we cannot win without the power of Christ in us. Paul proceeds to explain that every bit of suffering he endured by proclaiming and preaching Christ, was not by his own power.
“Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.” – II Corinthians 11:24-31.
“I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.” It is Christ in us that gives us the power and strength to endure the suffering we face. Let me tell you, while we can find some kind of temporary relief on our own, and we can even go to the gym to strengthen our bodies, but without Christ we will always be weak. As Paul continues he reminds us all that it is the suffering that brings us to Christ.
“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. 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. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 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. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” – II Corinthians 12:6-10.
“for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Okay, so if God knows what our bodies are capable of than why do our bodies become so weak, especially when we are living a godly life? Simply put, Jesus. God wants us to find our strength through Christ, and He will often use physical weakness to do it. Just as we need to be physically active to strengthen our body we also need to be spiritually active to strengthen our spirit, and that is where Jesus comes in. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:13.
Through the devil, many will place doubts in your head about your salvation, they will often seek proof that Christ is in you, many will even quote Scripture to try and get you convince you that you are not really saved. Avoid these people like the plague, and if you have any questions, just get in the Word of God, and He will give you the answers as the Holy Spirit guides you. Our strongest defense against any attack of the devil or anyone else, is knowing, and living by the Word of God. Paul reminds the Corinthians how important it is to know they are saved, and living in obedience to the Word of God, even though it is not a requirement for our salvation.
“Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” – II Corinthians 13:3-8.
“yet he liveth by the power of God.” Since Christ is alive by the power of God we are alive by the power of God through our faith in His Son, and no one has the right to make you doubt your salvation, if anything they are actually doubting their own. The word reprobate means, rejected by God and beyond hope of salvation. While God wants everyone to bow their head and trust His Son as their Saviour, He knows that there are some that will never receive Him. He also knows whether or not every head bowed is true in receiving Him. The amazing thing is, our greatest victory over anything that devil will corrupt us with is knowing for sure that we are one of God’s. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” – Revelation 21:7,8.
Jesus Christ Magnified: “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.” – II Corinthians 12:9.
Today’s Prayer: God, There are not enough words to explain how thankful I am that You sent Your Son to take my place on the cross that I should be on. When I was drowning in my sin, You sacrificed Your life to save me. Lord, I know that nothing I can ever do or say can change the fact that I am saved only by believing in and receiving Your Son, I want to live my life in a way that not only glorifies You, but brings others to Your Son as well. Through my weakness You have made me strong, but I know how weak my flesh is without You, give me Your power, strength, wisdom, and knowledge to be a witness of Your amazing grace, and the life You have given me since I found out the truth in Your Word. I love You, and ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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