By KELLY KNIGHT / Guest Columnist

Paul, in speaking to the Corinthians, describes a “thorn in the flesh” that was given to him “lest [he] should be exalted above measure” (2 Corinthians 12:7).

In context, Paul was discussing the fact that he was one to receive revelations from God, but to keep him humble, he was also given this weakness. Hoping to understand, and to have this thorn removed from him, Paul sought the Lord on three occasions.

In response, the Lord said to Paul “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Accepting this answer of the Lord, Paul tells the Corinthians that he would prefer to glory in his own weakness that the power of Christ may be manifest through him.

Can we apply this principle Paul taught to our own lives? We each have strengths, things that we do well or perhaps very well. And we each have weaknesses, things that seem to us a stumbling block.

It is during those times of weakness, when we seek God’s divine intervention, and we are able to do more than we ever thought possible that God’s grace and perfection is manifested.

The author J. Hudson Taylor is quoted as saying that “all God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on God being with them.”

Consider Moses, a shepherd who was called upon to do a mighty work and a wonder. When God first came to him, and commanded that he should lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, Moses responded by saying “who am I?” (Exodus 3:11) and “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue” (Exodus 4:10).

And yet, was not God’s grace and glory demonstrated in Moses, despite Moses’ own perceived weaknesses? And cannot God’s grace by made manifest through our works, despite our weaknesses, perceived or real?

 

Kelly Knight is clerk of the Columbiana Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can reach him at kellyknightbhm@gmail.com.