Daily Encouragement Day 289: 2 Corinthians 12

Turning his attention to the unrepentant minority who continued to challenge his authority, Paul defends his apostolic calling and credentials (10-13).  His meekness in their presence does not minimize his authority (10), and though he is loath to boast about them, his knowledge, honesty, achievements, persecutions, visions, and miraculous signs all vindicate his apostolic claims (11-12:13).  He concludes by telling of his plans for a third visit and warns them to repent before he comes (12:14-13:14).

Paul’s vision of being caught up into Paradise led to his thorn in the flesh as God’s means of keeping him weak so that he could minister out of Christ’s power rather than his own.

Prayer:

Lord, Your grace is sufficient for me, for power is perfected in weakness.  May I walk and serve through dependence on Your power rather than my own resources.

Meditation passage for today: verses 9-10, 19