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August 19, 2025 - 2 Corinthians 12:10 - "Distresses for Christ's Sake"

  • Writer: Pastor Ken Wimer
    Pastor Ken Wimer
  • Aug 19
  • 2 min read

2 Corinthians 12:10

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."


The words of the apostle Paul here bring us face to face with one of the great paradoxes of the Christian life: Strength is found in weakness, Victory in apparent defeat, Life in death. This is no natural wisdom, but divine. Left to ourselves, we avoid infirmity, reproach, necessity, persecution, and distress. Yet Paul says he takes pleasure in them—not because suffering is pleasant, but because through them the grace of Christ is magnified.


Earlier in this chapter, Paul had pleaded with the LORD three times for the thorn in his flesh to depart. The answer he received was not removal, but promise: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (v. 9). From that moment, Paul ceased to wrestle against his weakness and learned to glory in it. For in the Hand of his sovereign Redeemer, every trial becomes the backdrop on which divine power is displayed. Much like diamonds are displayed on black velvet, shining under the display light.


This truth is vital for the believer who trusts in the Christ of sovereign grace. Our strength does not save us, but Christ alone, Who loved us and gave Himself for us. He has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the mighty, that no flesh should glory in His presence (1 Corinthians 1:27). Our weakness is not an accident; it is ordained by God to cast us continually upon Christ.


When Paul speaks of taking pleasure in infirmities, he is not indulging in stoicism (the endurance of pain or hardship without the display of feelings and complaint). He is not denying the pain of suffering. Rather, he rejoices because every trial drives him closer to the all-sufficient LORD Jesus Christ and His effectual grace to uphold and keep him. Reproaches remind him that his life is hidden with Christ in God. Necessities prove that the LORD is his Shepherd, supplying his every need. Persecutions bind him more closely to the suffering Savior. Distresses compel him to rest in the One who said, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20).


Therefore, the apostle concludes: “When I am weak, then am I strong.” Strong—not in himself, but in Christ Who is his life. Strong—not by human resolve, but by divine grace sustaining him. Strong—not because the thorn is removed, but because the presence of Christ abides.


Here is the confidence of every elect, blood-bought and called child of God: our sufficiency is not of ourselves, but of God. When the world sees only frailty, God anoints His children with the very Power of Christ to endure. Therefore, let us not despise our weakness, but glory in it, for it is the chosen vessel through which Christ displays His strength.



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