2 Corinthians 12:9
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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me
Bible Reading for A Year:[bible]psalm119:1-88[/bible];[bible]ijohn3[/bible];[bible]ezeki44-45[/bible]
One day, a priest took a ship from Pontianak which was heading to Semarang. In the middle of the high seas, a passenger who was allegedly frustrated jumped into the sea. All passengers became rowdy. The crew immediately shut off the engine, but they did not immediately help him. Only when that person looked limp and weak, the crew lowered a lifeboat, swimming and reaching out the victim, and raised him to a lifeboat. Why was that person allowed to be weak? The crew replied, "Those who are limp are definitely easier to be helped. If someone still has power, then he tends to rebel and is difficult to be lifted up."
Paul is a great man. In the book of Acts, we read that he healed the paralytic (Acts 14:8-10). His handkerchief can bring miracles (Acts 19:12). He raised the dead([bible]0acts20:9-10[/bible]). He made a lot of miracles (Acts 28:9). However, he was allowed to be in a helpless condition. He could not help himself. He already cried out three times, but God did not let him go (Chr 12:8).
Maybe we also have experienced that skill, experience, and abilities, does not relieve us from problems. We have prayed for many times, but God seems to allow us to "be limp and helpless". Why ? His words: "...in weakness My power becomes perfect." That's what ultimately makes Paul says boldly: "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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”(iiChr 12:9) - THE
When we actually gave up, God will immediately intervene