Sermon notes
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." This Word reminds us to always see God's goodness, even when life doesn't go as we expect. The Apostle Paul was an extraordinary person used by God. Through his ministry, many miracles occurred, the sick were healed, and even the dead were raised. However, Paul himself had a struggle he called "a thorn in the flesh." Three times he asked God to remove it, but God answered, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore Paul said, "When I am weak, then I am strong."
1. Problems, Issues, and Difficulties are very much needed for the health and fitness of our Spiritual Faith. Just as the body needs pressure and exercise to become strong, faith also grows when it goes through challenges. John B. Calhoun's Universe 25 experiment can serve as an illustration. Mice were placed in an environment with abundant food and water and no predators. However, over time, the community experienced behavioral breakdown, and eventually, the colony became extinct. Comfort, it turns out, does not automatically lead to a healthy life. The same applies to spiritual life. Paul experienced suffering, imprisonment, beatings, stoning, shipwreck, and various dangers. But all of that did not stop him from following the Lord. It was precisely in his weakness that he experienced God's strength.
2. Problems, Issues, and Difficulties are very much needed so that we do not exalt ourselves! Instead, we should always be aware of our total dependence on the LORD! The thorn in the flesh made Paul realize that all the power and success of his ministry did not come from himself, but from God. In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul describes us as clay jars holding treasure, so that it may be clear that this all-surpassing power is from God. The same principle is seen in the lives of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. God does not always remove their problems. Daniel still entered the lion's den, and his three friends still entered the fiery furnace. But God was with them in the midst of their problems. Therefore, when we are in trouble, let's not immediately think that God has abandoned us. It could be that God is strengthening our faith, keeping us humble, and teaching us to depend more on Him. God does not always take us out of problems, but He accompanies us through problems. He is Immanuel—God with us. For when we are weak, in Him we become strong. The Lord Jesus bless you.
