I think it is all about perspective and if we have truly surrendered to the Lord. Paul does a great job explaining all his trials and challenges in 2 Corinthians chapter 12 and we see that it just finally hits him that as he lives in Christ his weaknesses shine a light on Christ and it gives him, and it will give us, the opportunity to glorify God in our responses.
The end of verse 10 is amazing to think about because it is the opposite of what we would think of in this world. “…For when I am weak, then I am strong.” We have to remember this as life throws us curveballs and how we handle them. We can react out of our feelings and swing off balance or we can go to God and have the patience to let God see us through. If our weaknesses make us talk to God more and the Spirit leads our way and our decisions, how much more can we give a clear witness for Christ?
1 Peter chapter 3 verse 15 it says, “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” We talked about sorrow that God wants us to have-the ones that lead us to repent- these weaknesses are the same, they draw us closer to God and help develop our hearts to be disciples for Jesus and share the light that he has given us to the world. If we are not shining and living for others to see and hear the Good News about Christ are we doing what God has shown us? Nothing should stop us from shining and being different, we should shine in the good times and the bad times.
I was reading an article by Joyce Meyers and she said, “See, Jesus wasn’t moved by people’s rejection nor was he moved by their acceptance. He was moved by the Spirit of God.” When we take the time to learn and grow we start to mature and we realize that everything that happens to us can be used to glorify God. And that realness in all situations helps our planting and watering the seeds for the world to hear and believe in Jesus Christ. We can never get tired of doing good even in our greatest troubles. Amen