Today is July 8.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 11.  
 

I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 
 

Welcome to prayer. We boast in a lot of things, don’t we? Paul is boasting to the church in Corinth of his great need for grace. He says that he will boast of his weakness. How are you feeling today? Are you more aware of your areas of weakness or your areas of strength?  
   
Listen again to Paul’s description of his trials. Consider, as you listen, your expectations for ‘the good life’. Do your expectations conflict at all with Paul’s realities? He lists all sorts of profound challenges, listen for one that stands out to you today. 
   
The line that stands out to me is ‘I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak… and do I not feel weak?’. Perhaps you, like me today, feel the weight of the care that you extend to those around you. Paul celebrated his weakness only in order to elevate our expectation of the strength of Christ. Where in life are you feeling weak, or weighted down? Invite God to abide with you there. Think of the simple children’s song: little ones to Him belong, we are weak, but He is strong…. 

Music: You Are With Us - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)