10.19.25 | 2 Corinthians 12 | 9:00a Worship x Grace Ridge Church Online

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Power is Made Perfect in Our Weakness

When we focus on our weaknesses, it’s easy to feel inadequate or even question why God made us the way He did. Yet, Scripture teaches that our weaknesses are not a mistake or a deficiency, but rather the very places where God’s power is most clearly displayed. Instead of hiding or being ashamed of our limitations, we are invited to bring them before God, trusting that His grace is sufficient and that He will use our frailty for His glory. In those moments when we feel least capable, God’s strength shines brightest, reminding us that we are not meant to rely on ourselves, but on Him who is able to do abundantly more than we can imagine. [44:04]

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (ESV)
So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Reflection: What is one weakness or limitation you often wish you could change about yourself? How might you invite God to use that very area for His glory today?

Day 2: You Are Uniquely Created for God’s Purpose

From the very beginning, God has crafted each person with unique characteristics, gifts, and even weaknesses, setting us apart from every other human who has ever lived. Rather than comparing ourselves to others or wishing we were different, we are called to embrace the truth that God intentionally made us as we are for a reason. Our individuality is not an accident, but a reflection of God’s creative design, and He desires to use every part of who we are—strengths and weaknesses alike—for His kingdom and His glory. [34:16]

Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV)
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Reflection: In what ways have you compared yourself to others or wished you were made differently? How can you celebrate the unique way God has created you today?

Day 3: Boasting in Weakness, Not Spiritual Experiences or Strengths

It is tempting to boast about our spiritual experiences, gifts, or strengths, but Scripture calls us to a different posture—one of humility that finds joy in our weaknesses. True spiritual maturity is not measured by extraordinary encounters or impressive abilities, but by a willingness to acknowledge our dependence on God. When we resist the urge to elevate ourselves and instead point to God’s sufficiency in our frailty, we create space for His power to be seen and for others to be encouraged in their own journeys. [40:03]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV)
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life—spiritual or otherwise—where you are tempted to boast or seek recognition? How can you shift your focus to boasting in God’s work through your weakness?

Day 4: Don’t Withdraw from Community in Difficulty—Lean In

When hardships, insults, or difficulties arise, the world often tells us to withdraw, isolate, or hide. Yet, God’s design is that we find strength in Him and in the community of believers, especially in our weakest moments. The enemy would love nothing more than for us to step away from church, Bible study, or fellowship when life gets hard, but it is precisely then that we need the support, encouragement, and prayers of others. By staying connected, we allow God to minister to us and through us, even in our struggles. [55:45]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reflection: When you face difficulties or feel overwhelmed, do you tend to withdraw from Christian community? What is one step you can take today to stay connected and let others support you?

Day 5: Trusting God’s Sovereignty and Purpose in Our Weakness

At the heart of our journey is the question of trust: Do we truly believe that God is sovereign, that He made us intentionally, and that He will provide for us—even in our weaknesses? God’s faithfulness is proven time and again, and He calls us to trust Him not only with our strengths, but especially with the areas where we feel most vulnerable. When we surrender our desire for comfort and control, and instead step out in faith, we open ourselves to experience God’s power and purpose in ways we could never achieve on our own. [01:02:37]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God’s purpose or provision? How can you take a step of faith today, believing that He will work even this for your good and His glory?

Sermon Summary

From the very beginning, God has uniquely crafted each of us—there has never been, nor will there ever be, another person exactly like you. This truth is not just about our physical features, but about the very core of who we are: our personalities, our strengths, and yes, even our weaknesses. Yet, so often, we find ourselves wishing we were different, focusing on what we lack or what we perceive as deficiencies. We compare ourselves to others, longing for their gifts or wishing away our own limitations. But have we ever considered that this dissatisfaction is not from God, but a subtle weapon of the enemy, designed to keep us from living fully into the purposes God has for us?

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12 challenge us to see our weaknesses in a radically different light. Rather than boasting in his spiritual experiences or his strengths, Paul boasts in his weaknesses. He shares how God allowed a “thorn in the flesh” to remain with him—not as a punishment, but as a means to keep him humble and dependent on God. Three times Paul pleaded for this thorn to be removed, but God’s answer was clear: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This is not just a comforting thought; it is a profound spiritual reality. Our weaknesses are not obstacles to God’s work—they are the very places where His power is most clearly displayed.

When we operate only in our strengths, we risk relying on ourselves and missing out on the miraculous ways God wants to work through us. It is in the uncomfortable, the unfamiliar, and the difficult spaces—where we feel most inadequate—that God’s grace shines brightest. Our culture tells us to avoid weakness, to hide from hardship, and to seek comfort above all. But the way of Christ is different: we are called to embrace our weaknesses, to step out in faith even when we feel unqualified, and to trust that God will provide exactly what we need.

As a community, we are not meant to be a collection of self-sufficient individuals, but a body where each person’s strengths and weaknesses are woven together for God’s glory. When we withdraw from fellowship or service because of our perceived inadequacies, we are not just doubting ourselves—we are doubting God’s ability to work through us. Let us instead celebrate how God has made us, trusting that in our frailty, His power is perfected.

Key Takeaways

1. Your Uniqueness Is God’s Design, Not a Flaw God has never made another person exactly like you, in body, mind, or spirit. When we wish we were different, we are subtly questioning the wisdom and goodness of our Creator. Embracing our unique design is an act of faith, trusting that God has a purpose for every aspect of who we are—even the parts we struggle to accept. [34:16]
2. Weakness Is the Arena for God’s Power Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was not a sign of God’s absence, but a means for God’s power to be displayed. Our weaknesses are not liabilities to be hidden, but opportunities for God’s grace to be made visible. When we are weak, we are most open to God’s strength, and it is in these moments that His power is perfected in us. [44:04]
3. The Enemy Wants You to Doubt God’s Work in You Satan’s strategy is to make us dissatisfied with how God has made us, convincing us that our weaknesses disqualify us from serving or being used by God. This lie keeps us from stepping out in faith and robs us of the joy of seeing God work through our limitations. Recognizing this tactic is the first step to resisting it and living freely in God’s calling. [36:45]
4. Community Is Where Weaknesses Become Strengths God brings together a diverse body of believers, each with different strengths and weaknesses, so that together we can accomplish what none of us could do alone. When we withdraw from community because of our struggles, we deprive both ourselves and others of the ways God wants to work through us. Our weaknesses, when shared in the body, become places where God’s power is multiplied. [60:49]
5. Faith Means Trusting God in the Uncomfortable It is easy to trust God when we feel strong and capable, but true faith is forged in the uncomfortable and the unknown. When we step out beyond our comfort zones—whether in service, mission, or daily life—we give God space to show His sufficiency. Every time we trust Him with our weaknesses, He proves Himself faithful, providing exactly what we need, even if it is not in the way or timing we expect. [62:37]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[32:57] - Gathering as One Body
[33:11] - A Church of Grace
[33:31] - Opening Prayer
[34:16] - The Uniqueness of God’s Creation
[35:31] - Wrestling with Our Weaknesses
[36:45] - The Enemy’s Strategy: Dissatisfaction
[38:00] - Paul’s Suffering and Deliverance
[39:12] - Paul’s Vision and Humility
[40:43] - The Danger of Boasting in Spiritual Gifts
[44:04] - Paul’s Thorn and God’s Sufficient Grace
[46:30] - God’s Power Perfected in Weakness
[49:31] - Relying on God vs. Ourselves
[50:55] - Embracing Discomfort for God’s Glory
[55:09] - Responding to Hardship: Hiding or Trusting
[56:51] - Weaknesses as Opportunities for God
[60:49] - The Body of Believers: Strengths and Weaknesses
[62:07] - Questions for Self-Examination
[65:58] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (ESV) — > So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Observation Questions

According to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12, why was he given a “thorn in the flesh”? What purpose did it serve in his life?
What was God’s response to Paul’s repeated prayers for the thorn to be removed?
In the sermon, what are some examples given of how people wish they were made differently or focus on their weaknesses? [[35:31]]
How does Paul’s attitude toward his weaknesses differ from the way our culture typically views weakness? [[50:10]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon suggests that dissatisfaction with how God made us is a tactic of the enemy. Why might Satan want us to focus on our weaknesses and feel inadequate? [[36:45]]
Paul says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” What does it mean for God’s power to be “made perfect” in our weakness? How might this change the way someone views their own limitations? [[44:04]]
The pastor mentions that when we withdraw from community or service because of our weaknesses, we are not just doubting ourselves but doubting God’s ability to work through us. What are the implications of this for how we participate in church life? [[58:22]]
Why do you think Paul chooses to “boast” in his weaknesses rather than his strengths or spiritual experiences? [[49:53]]

Application Questions

The sermon says, “When we wish we were different, we are subtly questioning the wisdom and goodness of our Creator.” Are there specific things about yourself—personality, abilities, or even weaknesses—that you often wish were different? How does this affect your relationship with God? [[34:16]]
Think about a time when you felt inadequate or unqualified for something God was calling you to do. Did you step out in faith, or did you hold back? What was the result, and what did you learn from that experience? [[50:32]]
The pastor shared that our culture tells us to avoid weakness and seek comfort, but the way of Christ is different. What is one area of your life where you tend to avoid discomfort or hide your weaknesses? What would it look like to trust God in that area this week? [[51:36]]
The sermon warns that withdrawing from community because of our struggles deprives both ourselves and others of the ways God wants to work through us. Is there a way you have pulled back from church, service, or relationships because of your weaknesses? What step could you take to re-engage? [[55:45]]
Paul says, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Can you identify a weakness in your life that God has used to show His strength? How did that experience change your perspective on your own limitations? [[50:10]]
The pastor asks, “Do you trust that God is going to work in your weaknesses?” What would it look like for you to trust God with a specific weakness or area of discomfort this month? [[01:02:37]]
As a group, how can we better support each other in embracing our weaknesses and stepping out in faith, rather than hiding or withdrawing? What practical steps can we take to encourage one another? [[01:00:49]]

Sermon Clips

Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me. There it is a second time in the Scriptures, which means this is the point of the text. I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why. That is why for Christ's sake I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. [00:49:46] (32 seconds) #FaithInHardship

Because in our weaknesses, he makes us strong. I wonder if this sounds completely contrary to what our culture says. Our culture, man, we want things that just fit into our scope and our comforts and all of the stuff. And then think about what God's saying here. I delight in difficulty because when I am weak, God perfects his strength and his power. In the difficulties of life, I get to see the power of God working mightily through me. [00:51:46] (36 seconds) #GodPerfectsWeakness

When everything is good and we're relying on our own abilities, we kind of don't have any need for the Lord. That's how we feel. It's not appropriate. It's not true. But when we get to the end of ourselves and we're going through some stuff and we're being insulted, we're experiencing hardships, when we're being persecuted, when the difficulties of life are happening, we are reminded, for when I am weak, then I am strong. [00:53:57] (20 seconds) #UniquelyMadeForGlory

He created us the way he did for his sake and for his glory to be used for his kingdom. So this idea of, I wish I was more game needs to cease in Christian circles. I wish I was more. I wish I was more because God's grace is sufficient. He's all that we need. And his power is perfected in our weakness. [00:59:29] (25 seconds) #GlorifyThroughWeakness

When have you ever trusted in the past that he didn't provide? When have you ever trusted him with what you have, who you are, and he didn't provide exactly what you needed? Every single time. Every single time. He has. It may not be the way you want. It may not have happened at a timeline that you desire, but he always fulfills his promises. [01:02:57] (30 seconds)

Clearly, which is more powerful? Our comfort and our power, or our weakness and God's power working through us? It's not really that. You have a question? The answer is our weakness and God's power being perfected in us. [01:04:34] (16 seconds)

Is it for our creature comforts and what gives us whatever we want? The desires of the flesh? Or are we as a body of believers acknowledging that God has done a work to bring us here to this place at this time in some miraculous way to go do something where God is being glorified mightily? And you say, well, we don't have the skills. Good, because of our weakness. God's power is perfected. [01:05:28] (25 seconds)

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