Finding God in the Dark, part 3

The Unexpected Benefits of Real Difficulty

1. Seek out an accurate view of yourself.

2 Corinthians 12:5–6 (ESV)  ⁵ On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. ⁶ Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.

1. Acknowledge that God acts to shape our attitude and behavior.

2 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV) ⁷ 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.

1. Remind yourself of the reasons you must depend on God.

2 Corinthians 12:8–9 (ESV) ⁸ Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

1. Endure real hardship gladly for what it achieves in our souls.

2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV)  ¹⁰ 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.

Questions for discussion

1. How do you explain difficulties in your life?
2. What do you think that it means to boast of our weaknesses? Why might it be important to do this?
3. What practical sense do you have of God’s grace being sufficient for you?
4. In what sense is God’s power made perfect in weakness?