PEACOCKS AND THEIR KIN

PEACOCKS AND THEIR KIN

READ:
2 Corinthians 12:7-10

My strength is made perfect in
weakness. -2 Corinthians 12:9

Male peacocks are resplendent creatures with iridescent blue-green plumage and elongated trains tipped with "eyes" colored in hues of gold, red, and blue.  They are strikingly beautiful birds, but they have ugly feet!

To be honest, most of us have some type of physical limitation.  It may be something we've borne all our lives or one we've recently acquired.

Paul described his deficiency as a "thorn in the flesh" that kept him humble (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).  Three times he asked the Lord to remove it, probably thinking that he could then serve God better.  But the Lord assured him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."  Paul replied, "Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

One of the ironies of faith is that God often chooses us to accomplish His most important tasks despite our imperfections, not because of our speaking ability, looks, or fitness for the task.  Missionary Hudson Taylor said, "God was looking for someone weak enough to use, and he found [you and me]!"  When we find our strength in Him, He can use us in ways we could never imagine (v.9). -David Roper

Lord, I have many weaknesses.  Please show Your
strength through me by using me in whatever way
You please.  May others see You at work in me and
praise Your name.  Amen.
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God's strength is best seen in our weakness.

INSIGHT
In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis says this about pride:  "According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride....It was through Pride that the devil became the devil:  Pride leads to every other vice:  it is the complete anti-God state of mind."  In today's reading, we see that the apostle Paul viewed his "thorn in the flesh" as a means to combat personal pride-"lest I be exalted above measure" (v.7).  Because a yielded heart is far more pliable for God's use, sincere humility should be pursued by every believer.  "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:6).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace