Dangerous Questions: A 5-Day Reading Plan by Brenna BlainSample

Day Four: With Us in Weakness

I marvel at Paul’s faith in response to his suffering in 2 Corinthians 12:7–10. Paul was writing to a church community he had started years earlier that had been inundated with leaders preaching a false gospel (2 Corinthians 11). While these false teachers appeared to have much to boast and brag about, Paul appealed to his church community with a word on how weakness clarifies God’s strength. Paul was saying he, a more than faithful and committed follower of Christ, asked to be healed, but God’s plan to show Paul how powerful and good He was in the face of weakness was so much better.

If this was God’s will for Paul, why couldn’t it also be His will for some of us?

God worked to keep me alive during my struggles with depression, suicide, and even time in a psych ward. Why? Because God does not exist “outside” of our suffering. He is right there with us. How? Through the working of the Holy Spirit, the fruition of God’s will, and the obedience of His people.

God being right here with us often means that we experience God through other believers' faith, action, and literal presence. God uses countless ways to let us know with great volume; even in your weakness and questions, you are not alone.

Maybe you don’t fully believe yet, and that’s okay—I still struggle too.

But if I can leave you with one thing, it is this: God is with you. He’s with you not despite your suffering and not outside your suffering, but He is in it with you, communing with you, remaining next to you, holding you. He knows the pain, He knows the hurt, and He knows you.

In His goodness, God is sorting your bricks, which He can see so much better than you can and knows how they can be used. He does not cause your pain, but He does desire to redeem it and use it for something worthwhile and beautiful. You may not believe that today. You may want to believe but have not found yourself there yet. But can I intrigue you to consider voicing where you find yourself right now . . . to God?

The conversation may surprise you.

Response:

How can God use your pain for something beautiful? In what ways do you see God at work even when you are feeling weak?

Prayer:

God, in my weakness, I find Your strength. Help me to feel Your presence in my suffering and to trust that You are with me, working all things for my good. Strengthen my faith and comfort me with Your love. Amen.