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. 2 Corinthians 12:9
We just finished Paul’s letter to the Colossians. I believe that many times we think that Paul had it all together, that he never slipped in his convictions, and that he always knew what to say. NOT SO! Look at some of the verses he wrote about his faith journey:
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27
And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 2 Corinthians 11:28
And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 1 Corinthians 2:3
For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 2 Corinthians 12:20
At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Colossians 4:3-4
And a verse in Ephesians like his request in Colossians;
… and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:19-20
We may see Paul as a giant of the faith, but he struggled like many of us. It is when we rely on His power and strength and not our own that God is able to use us mightily. Remember, we are weak, but He (Jesus) is strong!