A Portal for Power!

All of us have experienced times of weakness, when we feel pressed down under the weight of a situation. The burden seems too heavy to carry. We may think about giving up or giving in. The Bible speaks about these times, describing them as “hard-pressed on every side”, “struck down” (2 Corinthians 4:8,9 NKJV). These words suggest that we are very fragile. In fact, the Word confirms that “we are like common clay jars” (2 Corinthians 4:7 TPT). Ouch; not very flattering! Or is it?

The apostle Paul was challenged just as we are, with difficult situations. In fact, you may conclude that he experienced extreme suffering. He reached a point where he cried out to God in his distress. To paraphrase his words, Paul said, “I can’t take this anymore! Please do something!” (2 Corinthians 12:8 TPT). Paul’s trouble included being stoned, countless whippings, being beaten with rods, many dangerous journeys by land and sea, as well as being shipwrecked and adrift at sea. He was often without food, thirsty, and exposed to the cold (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). It is no wonder he pleaded with God about his situation. It was during this time of agony that God revealed a truth to Paul that set him free and empowered him: “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9 TPT).

Paul was fully convinced that God was who He said He was, and therefore he trusted the Lord with all his heart. Paul was stable and well-balanced; when God spoke, he did not waver in unbelief. Trouble surrounded Paul, trying to overtake him. But based on Paul’s new understanding, he said this, “I will celebrate my weakness, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So, I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted” (2 Corinthians 12:9,10)! Talk about the life of the fully persuaded, certain about who God is and what He can do in and through us! Paul saw trouble as an opportunity to make him strong, stating this, “For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power” (2 Corinthians 12:10 TPT). Weakness does not disqualify us from our destiny as God’s children; it gives us the chance to experience the fullness of God! God’s power is expressed through our weakness.

God’s truth confirms that we are human vessels that contain His power. He describes this as resurrection power, the same power He exerted on Jesus when He raised Him from the dead (Ephesians 2:19,20 AMP). God desires that we understand this miracle that resides in our spirits where we are in unity with Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4,5). In fact, we don’t have a spirit of this world any longer. As children of God, we possess His Spirit so that “we can know the things that have been freely given to us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:11).

We are like fragile clay jars, but inside the jar is the magnificence of God Almighty! Our human container possesses a glorious treasure, an immeasurable power that is from God. Because of His ability in us, yes, we may be under pressure, but we are not crushed; we may not know what to do at times, “but quitting is not an option,” as we are equipped with supernatural strength; “we may be knocked down, but not knocked out”. We are equipped for greatness as overcomers by the power of God! (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 TPT). The brilliant light of the Lord, the knowledge of Him and His Son Jesus Christ, shines out from our human lives. In our human state, we know that our ability is from Him and not ourselves. We rejoice and give glory to God, and His light is seen through us by others. This is a miracle of grace by the provision of God’s love! The Word confirms God’s explosive power is infused into us so we may conquer all difficulty (Philippians 4:12,13 TPT).

The same power that Jesus used to heal the sick, raise the dead, multiply bread and fish, calm the storms, teach with authority, to know things about people without being told, and to forgive even those who mocked Him, beat Him, and crucified Him – that is the power that now resides in us. This is our inheritance as children of God. This is His divine fullness poured into us with the potential to pour out of us, if we believe the revelation that God provided to us through Paul (2 Peter 1:4). It reminds us of what Jesus said to Mary and Martha when their brother Lazarus had died, and they were waiting for Jesus to come: “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God” (John 11:40)?