The apostle Paul had many attributes that he could boast about in his day. He was highly educated, fervently religious, blameless under his religion, and part of the upper class. Yet, he did have his weaknesses. Physically he wasn’t much to look at. Despite his high position in society, he wasn’t a great speaker. As a young man he was far from correct in his religious pursuits, although he practiced his religion strictly.
When God met him in a vision on the road to Damascus, Paul became a changed man. Where previously he had great confidence in himself, now he recognized his weaknesses. Where he was previously arrogant and full of pride, God humbled him. Instead of hiding his weaknesses, he began to let God use his weaknesses.
In II Corinthians 12:8-9 Paul wrote, “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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.” You see, Paul understood that we cannot avail ourselves of God’s power when we are confident in ourselves. However, if we will humble ourselves and trust in God, we will experience the fullness of God’s power.
Reluctant Retiree 