Apostle Paul our own well beloved had a serious infirmity, perharp a terrible illness that can not be mention today among our notable preachers, he prayed three times for God to take away his affliction but it wasn’t taken away. Instead God replied him that His grace was made sufficient for him in his weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 – But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power (STRENGTH) 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. It is when we are weak that we experience the strength of God. Suffering is a form of weakness that involves putting to death our desires.
It is our flesh that makes us long for admiration from men. It also makes us to be proud, thinking we are in charge and can handle the situations we face on our own. No one wants to feel embarrassed and look weak though it is not abnormal to feel this way. But then, each time we choose to follow our desires at the expense of truth, honesty, godly living and righteousness, God is ‘weakened’ in us. Galatians 5:16 – But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. You might wonder why Jesus said it would be easier for the camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to see His kingdom (Matthew 19:24). It is because rich men are strong. But it is the poor that God has chosen to be rich and heirs in His kingdom James 2:5 – Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? This doesn’t mean you must be so wretched as to not having clothes to partake in the kingdom of Heaven. Except God so wishes. God has different ways to weaken each person.
The AMEN’s Opinion
In the book of Revelation, Jesus introduced Himself differently to the various churches. He referred to Himself as ‘the Amen’, ‘the Faithful’ and the ‘ruler of God’s kingdom’. To the Laodicean church, He introduced Himself as ‘The Amen’ Revelation 3:14 – And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.
The people in this church said they were rich; they had acquired wealth and needed nothing more
Revelations 3:17 – For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked (See also: Luke 12:16-21). However, they didn’t know they were wretched, poor, blind, miserable and naked.
What a terrible state to be in the eyes of the Amen. He wasn’t describing their state physically as they were rich, really. They forgot that “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24. God doesn’t see our external parts; He sees our spirit. But the natural man does not understand this as rightly put forth by 1 Corinthians 2:14 which says:
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
And, there are riches that are not from God. So, do this: get close to the Amen (Jesus Christ) to hear His opinion about your life before it gets too late.
The Helpful Judge
To judge means to distinguish. It is separating the wheat from the chaff, the good from the bad. 1 Corinthians 11:31 – But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. ‘We’, as used there, refers to the church. There is so much weakness and sickness in the body of Christ because of the lack of recognition of the importance of each part. Parts get weak because of lack of use. The (parts) represent individuals or members in the church. As a member, do not abstain or stay away from the gathering of believers as constantly being there exposes you to growth – Hebrews 10:25 – Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. The body was meant to assist itself naturally, not as a formality or as a mere duty. Only a diseased body does not respond to its needs properly. If we tell ourselves the truth in line with God’s word, there will not be a need for us to be judged. If the Lord judges us here on earth, it is His discipline to prevent us from being judged with the world. He gives us a body to judge us and you should be part of one that does just that!
The benefits of carrying the cross of Christ will last for so long. Be willing to take up your cross and follow Jesus and this must be done daily Shalom!
