For Messiah’s sake, then, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 TLV

Delight in Insults?   For most of us, we don’t find comfort in our weaknesses much less delight in them.  So, delighting in people insulting us or persecuting us seems impossible, doesn’t it?

Did Paul laugh or giggle or smile while being beaten or thrown into prison? Probably not. But in his moments of reflection, as he wrote to the congregations in his epistles, he could see GOD’s hand in each and every situation.

He made peace with his weakness. Even more, he realized it was what is needed for all of us. That realization aids Paul in putting his flesh aside to leave room for the Messiah’s strength to accomplish what the Father had called Paul to do.

With every persecution, distress, calamity, and general weakness, Paul learned to depend on His Heavenly Father for Messiah’s sake. Our Messiah demonstrated what it took to slough off our own expectations and agendas and solely seek His Father’s will.

What does that look like with us, today?

Think back to a past challenge or difficult season—not necessarily one we’re going through now, but one we’ve overcome. Ask the Holy Spirit to show us those revelations of when GOD stood in the gap when we could barely breathe.

Perhaps there were miracles, or people that came with an encouraging word or a pot of soup. Maybe it is just being able to get out of bed and take the next breath.

The point is to reflect. Spot those moments. Journal them in a formal journal or in the margins of our Bible.

Over time, I have no doubt we’ll discover all sorts of moments where He was our strength because there would have been no way we had the strength to overcome or go through challenges.

Paul’s Lessons

Now, these are my thoughts—until I can ask him personally—but the lessons we can learn from Paul is that because he made a practice of reflecting, it was “easier” to land there after a difficult ordeal.

He wrote those insights and revelations in his letters to help others. But, as an author of devotions, I know that I learn as much as what I share. It has always been my way to process because, well, that’s how my Father “built” me.

How you process may be different, but however we reflect and meditate on GOD’s interventions, the point is to do it. My hope is that as I learn to reflect sooner, I can come to that place of delighting. Then, when during my next trial or tribulation, I’ll remember how He has come through in the past and take delight in knowing He will again. Whatever that looks like.

When trials and tribulations enter our lives, how do you find that place of delight?