Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10, NET).

Paul makes a rather strange statement. In the midst of all kinds of personal troubles, he remains content. Wow! I wonder if I can say what Paul said. Frankly, I don’t care much for insults and persecution! Where does such spiritual strength come from? Paul says he is content because he is serving Christ. If serving Christ brings trouble and persecution, Paul remains content.  I think Paul is saying that since he is on the side of God, it doesn’t matter how others react to him. When trouble comes because he is serving Jesus Christ, he remains content. Christ is with him giving him the strength to endure whatever comes.

This is one of many verses that destroys the idea that faithfulness brings nothing but blessings, health, and wealth in abundance,  as some teach. Who among us is more faithful than Paul? Paul’s faithfulness brought him nothing but trouble. His trials drained him of strength, but Christ strengthened him. He trusted Jesus in his weakness and found the strength of Christ imparted to him.

The lesson for us is clear. Be faithful, serve Jesus, and if that brings trouble, so be it. You are pleasing God, and that is infinitely more important than pleasing men.

Father in heaven, I thank You that if and when I face trials because of my faith in Jesus, You give strength. Forgive me for those times when I fail You and move out from under Your protection. I want to live out the truth in Paul’s words, but I need Your help. In my weakness, I pray for Your strength, In Jesus name, Amen.