Have you ever been at a spot in your life where you have nowhere to go…nowhere to turn…and you’re ready to just throw up your hands and quit?
If you have, you’re in good company. In 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, the apostle Paul gives us this insight:
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
When the apostle Paul was being harassed by an evil spirit—“a messenger of Satan” that he also referred to as a thorn in the flesh—he was at the end of his rope and his strength. He besought God three times for deliverance. The Lord’s answer to Paul was quite revealing.
First, He said, “My grace is sufficient for you.” The Greek word translated “sufficient” literally means “to raise a barrier against.” In other words, “My grace will protect you—it’s all you need.”
Next, God said, “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” That means God’s strength comes to full maturity in our weaknesses. It blossoms and expresses itself fully when we get to zero.
Paul went on to say, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
This is a secret that we need to learn, friend. God’s strength can be made perfect in weakness.
Listen, the end of yourself is not a bad place to be. Sometimes we have to get to the end of ourselves before we will fully look to God. But when we do, we find that He is there and that He is more than enough.
But let me tell you, the end of yourself is the worst place to be if you’re not trusting God!
If you find yourself there right now—or close to that point—lay hold of God’s strength, not your own. Trust the living God who has delivered, does deliver, and will yet deliver you. He will bring you to the place of your breakthrough, and you will find the direction you need.
