I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small!
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in me thine all in all.”
"Jesus Paid it All," by Elvina M. Hall - first stanza
Oh how I have felt my weakness and my lack of strength these past few months! Many a time it has driven me to the place of prayer where I cry out to God for help! When my strength is gone, I feel more keenly my need for God’s strength.
Paul felt this weakness as well. In his flesh he bore an infirmity. This was not just an ordinary physical affliction. It was a messenger of Satan to buffet him. God allowed Satan to torment and try him.
Paul’s infirmity helped to keep him humble. Through it, he realized his inability to be strong in many areas of life. Though he had received many revelations from God, Paul was not above the other brethren. The revelations gave him knowledge, but they did not give him spiritual strength. To remind him of this, God sent him weakness of the flesh.
Paul felt his physical and spiritual weakness “in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses.” Yet, he remembered that he was going through these things for Christ’s sake. This understanding kept him from being depressed in what would seem to be very discouraging circumstances. Instead Paul said, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11b) Not only did Paul learn to be content, but he also learned to take pleasure in all circumstances, even the difficult ones, for he knew that he was enduring them for Christ’s sake. His weakness was an opportunity to glorify God; “for,” said he, “when I am weak, then am I strong.” (See II Corinthians 12:6-10). Paul’s weakness was turned into strength because he took his eyes off himself and looked to the Savior. He found in Christ his all in all. His testimony was, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
“Thank You, God, for giving us the example of Paul. Help me to find in You my all in all.”