Dare to Be WeakSample

The Source of Paul’s Strength

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction…” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4a)

You could also phrase these verses like this: "All glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father who loves us, the God who always gives us courage. Every time I am struggling, God gives me new courage. As a result, I can also give courage to other Christians who are struggling".

As an apostle, Paul was persecuted, imprisoned and mistreated. Paul knew what it was to be physically weak and what that did to him. The strength to keep trusting God in spite of this came from God Himself helping him. Nothing could separate Paul from God's genuine love. And because he himself had received this strength from God, he could in turn encourage others. Encouraging someone is giving him or her courage/comfort with a word, song, prayer or gesture so that they are able to go on. God does so with His Word and presence in our lives. This enables us to be of assistance to others in our turn. Believers are like runners in a relay team: they pass on the "baton of encouragement" to each other, so that together they keep the pace to keep following Jesus.

Paul began his letter with the greeting: "Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 1:2). What encourages you in this greeting? And how can you use it to encourage others?