Sisters for Yah

  “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Messiah’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)

      Many people have wondered what the above Scripture could possibly mean, considering the fact that we are all familiar with pain, illness, and suffering, whether our own or the people we know, and none of us ever enjoy going through trials!  How could the apostle Paul actually find pleasure in persecution or reproach, in experiencing distress, bodily pain, or weakness?  Keep in mind that there could not be any pleasure in these things were it not for “Messiah’s sake.”

      Paul himself experience a trial so strong that he prayed for it to be removed—he called it a “thorn in the flesh.”  Apparently Paul felt that this “thorn” was powerful enough to hinder his ministry, so he requested 3 times for Yahweh to intervene!  And Yahweh answered Paul’s prayer by saying, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

      One of the most powerful testimony to unbelievers of the truth of Yahweh’s way is when a Believer shows patience and faith during trials.  Paul recognized that it would be detrimental to his walk of faith if his thorn was removed. 

      In Psalm 119: 71, we read, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”  Trials can serve a wonderful purpose.  It is when we recognize our fleshly weaknesses that we can be strong in Messiah.  In addition, our trials can help us develop a deep compassion for others who are suffering.  It is difficult, if not impossible, to know how another feels unless one had gone through similar difficulties.  So let us use our trials to develop a stronger faith in Yahweh’s strength!