Finding Strength in Weakness: Trusting God's Plan
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound question: "What do you do when God says no?" Reflecting on my personal experience with my father's stroke, I shared how persistent prayer sometimes results in God asking us to wait or even saying no. We delved into 2 Corinthians, where Paul, instead of boasting about his accomplishments, highlighted his weaknesses and sufferings. This was a stark contrast to the false teachers of his time who flaunted their credentials. Paul’s testimony of enduring hardships, such as beatings, shipwrecks, and constant danger, serves as a powerful reminder that our strength is found in our weaknesses.
Paul's vision of the third heaven, which he humbly shared in the third person, underscores the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. Despite his many revelations, Paul was given a "thorn in the flesh" to keep him grounded. This thorn, whether physical, spiritual, or psychological, was a tool used by God to prevent Paul from becoming conceited. It’s a reminder that our trials and tribulations often serve a greater purpose in God's plan.
We also discussed the universal nature of suffering and the reality that bad things happen to all people because we live in a fallen world. The key is our response to these troubles. We can either rebel or trust in God's sovereignty. Our trials are opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God. Paul’s acceptance of his weaknesses and his contentment in hardships teach us that God's grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness.
In conclusion, we are called to trust God with every aspect of our lives, recognizing that our trials are not without purpose. They shape our character and deepen our faith. As we face our own thorns, let us ask God how He can use them for His glory, rather than simply asking for their removal.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embracing Weakness for God's Glory: Paul’s testimony in 2 Corinthians teaches us that our weaknesses and sufferings are opportunities to showcase God's strength. Instead of boasting about our accomplishments, we should highlight how God works through our vulnerabilities. This perspective shifts our focus from self-glorification to glorifying God in all circumstances. [37:43]
2. The Purpose of Suffering: Suffering is a universal experience because we live in a fallen world. However, our response to suffering is what truly tests our spiritual character. Trusting in God's sovereignty, even when we don't understand His plans, allows us to grow spiritually and develop a deeper reliance on Him. [47:49]
3. Humility Through Trials: Paul’s "thorn in the flesh" was a tool used by God to keep him humble and prevent pride. Our own trials and tribulations can serve a similar purpose, reminding us that our successes and strengths are not of our own doing but are gifts from God. This humility keeps us grounded and usable in God's kingdom. [54:06]
4. God's Grace is Sufficient: In moments of weakness and suffering, God's grace is sufficient for us. His power is made perfect in our weakness, and this realization should lead us to embrace our trials as opportunities for God's power to be displayed in our lives. This perspective transforms our approach to suffering, making it a source of spiritual growth rather than despair. [01:00:34]
5. Trusting God's Plan: Often, what seems like rejection is actually God's protection. We must trust that God has a plan and purpose for our lives that is far beyond our understanding. This trust allows us to wait patiently for His timing and to see our trials as part of His greater plan for our good and His glory. [01:00:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:06] - Opening Prayer and Reflection
[36:24] - Personal Story: My Father's Stroke
[37:05] - Introduction to 2 Corinthians
[37:43] - Paul's Credentials: Weakness Over Strength
[38:24] - Paul's Sufferings and Hardships
[40:46] - Questions for Self-Reflection
[42:07] - Paul's Visions and Revelations
[43:34] - The Third Heaven Experience
[45:19] - Living by Faith, Not by Sight
[46:19] - The Danger of Pride
[47:49] - The Universal Nature of Suffering
[49:03] - Trusting God's Sovereignty
[50:52] - Empathy Through Personal Trials
[51:38] - Response to Trouble: Trusting God's Will
[52:19] - Cultural Challenges and Righteousness
[53:20] - The Thorn in the Flesh
[54:06] - Humility Through Trials
[55:09] - The Nature of Paul's Thorn
[56:55] - Using Our Thorns for God's Glory
[58:36] - The Purpose of the Thorn
[59:24] - What to Do When God Says No
[01:00:34] - God's Plan for Our Pain
[01:02:43] - The Sufficiency of God's Grace
[01:03:11] - Growing From Our Thorns
[01:04:02] - Contentment in Weakness
[01:05:19] - Trusting God in All Circumstances
[01:06:14] - Joy in Trials
[01:07:17] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 11:24-30 - Paul's Sufferings and Hardships
2. 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 - Paul's Vision and the Thorn in the Flesh
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the hardships Paul endured as described in 2 Corinthians 11:24-30?
2. How does Paul describe his vision of the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4?
3. What was the purpose of the "thorn in the flesh" given to Paul according to 2 Corinthians 12:7-9?
4. How does Paul respond to his weaknesses and sufferings in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul choose to boast about his weaknesses rather than his strengths? How does this contrast with the false teachers of his time? ([37:43])
2. What does Paul's "thorn in the flesh" teach us about the role of suffering and humility in a believer's life? ([54:06])
3. How can understanding that "God's grace is sufficient" change our perspective on personal trials and weaknesses? ([01:00:34])
4. In what ways does Paul's acceptance of his weaknesses demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty and plan? ([01:00:11])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God said "no" to your prayers. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently now after hearing this sermon? ([36:24])
2. Paul embraced his weaknesses as opportunities for God's power to be displayed. What are some of your own weaknesses, and how can you allow God to use them for His glory? ([37:43])
3. How do you typically respond to suffering or trials in your life? What steps can you take to trust in God's sovereignty more fully during these times? ([47:49])
4. Consider a "thorn in the flesh" you are currently experiencing. How can you shift your prayer from asking for its removal to asking how God can use it for His glory? ([56:55])
5. In what ways can you cultivate humility in your life, especially in areas where you might be tempted to boast or take pride? ([54:06])
6. How can you remind yourself daily that God's grace is sufficient for you, especially in moments of weakness or suffering? ([01:00:34])
7. Think of a specific trial you are facing right now. How can you see this trial as part of God's greater plan for your good and His glory? ([01:00:11])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Weakness for God's Glory
In 2 Corinthians, Paul emphasizes that our weaknesses and sufferings are opportunities to showcase God's strength. Instead of boasting about his accomplishments, Paul highlights how God works through his vulnerabilities. This perspective shifts our focus from self-glorification to glorifying God in all circumstances. By embracing our weaknesses, we allow God's power to be displayed in our lives, demonstrating that our true strength comes from Him. This approach not only humbles us but also encourages others to see God's work in their own lives. [37:43]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "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: Think of a recent situation where you felt weak or inadequate. How can you shift your perspective to see this as an opportunity for God's strength to be displayed in your life?
Day 2: The Purpose of Suffering
Suffering is a universal experience because we live in a fallen world. However, our response to suffering is what truly tests our spiritual character. Trusting in God's sovereignty, even when we don't understand His plans, allows us to grow spiritually and develop a deeper reliance on Him. When we face trials, we have the choice to either rebel against God or trust in His greater plan. By choosing to trust, we open ourselves to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. [47:49]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on a current or past trial in your life. How can you trust in God's sovereignty and see this trial as an opportunity for spiritual growth?
Day 3: Humility Through Trials
Paul’s "thorn in the flesh" was a tool used by God to keep him humble and prevent pride. Our own trials and tribulations can serve a similar purpose, reminding us that our successes and strengths are not of our own doing but are gifts from God. This humility keeps us grounded and usable in God's kingdom. By recognizing that our strengths come from God, we can remain humble and focused on serving Him rather than seeking our own glory. [54:06]
1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV): "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."
Reflection: Identify a recent success or strength in your life. How can you acknowledge God's role in this and use it to serve Him humbly?
Day 4: God's Grace is Sufficient
In moments of weakness and suffering, God's grace is sufficient for us. His power is made perfect in our weakness, and this realization should lead us to embrace our trials as opportunities for God's power to be displayed in our lives. This perspective transforms our approach to suffering, making it a source of spiritual growth rather than despair. By relying on God's grace, we can find strength and hope even in the most challenging circumstances. [01:00:34]
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Think about a current struggle you are facing. How can you rely on God's grace to find strength and hope in this situation?
Day 5: Trusting God's Plan
Often, what seems like rejection is actually God's protection. We must trust that God has a plan and purpose for our lives that is far beyond our understanding. This trust allows us to wait patiently for His timing and to see our trials as part of His greater plan for our good and His glory. By trusting in God's plan, we can find peace and assurance even when things don't go as we expect. [01:00:11]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Consider a situation where you felt rejected or disappointed. How can you reframe this experience as part of God's protection and greater plan for your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Do you feel like you've got to prove yourself? Just think about that. Maybe prove yourself to your spouse. Prove yourself to your kids. Prove yourself to your employees. Lawyer, are you spiritually mature enough to be safe in your own skin? Because every one of us in this room have a story. We have stories about the good things we've done and even the bad things that have happened. Do you have to brag on yourself to feel important?" [40:46] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Culturally, we're living in a day where Satan's strategy is simple. Make sin look normal. Make righteousness look weird. Call me weird. Because there's some craziness going on in our nation today. Pastor alluded to Guatemala in a conversation he and I were having this morning. I've thought about the numerous trips that I've been on where brothers and sisters in Africa and brothers and sisters in Central America and other places that I've gone to, especially in Cuba, they would look at me and go, Pastor Joel, what in the world is going on in the United States?" [52:19] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So what do we do when we see the messenger of Satan come? Look at verse 7. So to keep me from being conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given to me in the flesh. A messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Paul had been given a lot, hadn't he? His calling in Acts chapter 9 and then overtaking the apostle Peter as the leader of the New Testament, if you will. The primary rider through the Holy Spirit of some two-thirds of the New Testament." [53:20] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So here's my final word. It's in James chapter 1. And one of the things that I know that the longer we live the older we get the more experiences that we have there's going to be trouble. The larger our families are and the more that our children have grandchildren our grandchildren have us great-grandchildren and it keeps moving forward. James says this in James 1. Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters that whenever you feel you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith will produce perseverance and let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything." [01:06:14] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So what is God's purpose for your trouble today? Why has he sort of lifted up the hedge of protection for a few moments, for a few weeks, for a few months, in our case, for almost three years now? What is God up to? God is sovereign over all of his creation and what he's up to will use even the forces of darkness to accomplish his righteous purposes. So what is Paul's response? It should be our response. Three times I've pleaded with the Lord about this that it should leave me. I've got to tell you I've prayed more than three times over the last three years." [58:59] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So God did not answer Paul's prayer by removing Paul's thorn. You know why? God had a plan for the pain. I wrestle with this. Can I be quite honest with you? See when I'm visiting my dad it's not me the one that's in pain. So for me to reconcile this fact is one thing for my dad to reconcile this fact is a whole other thing. The pain was spiritually productive. It kept Paul from becoming conceited getting the big head. You know how many of us over the course of our ministries have seen preacher after preacher get the big head and become conceited and would say things about looking at the kingdom that I have preached." [01:01:04] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I've learned that anyone can be godly and grateful when everything's going his way. Oh, it's easy to praise Jesus when all the bills are paid and you've got roof and rafters over your head and you've got plenty of food to eat. You've got plenty of disposable income to go down to the beach or the mountains. But what happens when you're not and all of that or some of that is taken away from you?" [52:02] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Listen, our response to trouble is the truest test of a person's spiritual character. Now, we can either rebel against it or we can accept, Lord, I don't understand this but I'm going to trust your will. I'm going to trust your plan regardless. I've learned that anyone can be godly and grateful when everything's going his way. Oh, it's easy to praise Jesus when all the bills are paid and you've got roof and rafters over your head and you've got plenty of food to eat. You've got plenty of disposable income to go down to the beach or the mountains." [51:38] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So as I come to this last verse of our study today I'm convinced that we can grow from our thorns. I know that at one time agriculture was 50% of our gross national product in America. It's now less than 2%. It used to be an agrarian society. People used to love to see things grow. It's still for a few of us but I will tell you it's still for a few of us. From a physical standpoint thorns pricked in your thumb produces pain and it produces blood but spiritually God wants us to grow from our thorns. Don't rebel against every appearance of hardship that comes against you. God is there. Allow Him to move. Allow Him to work in your life." [01:03:11] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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