#2 Corinthians 2:12

[thinkingonscripture]

How to Know Your Call to Ministry

How can you know your call to ministry is from the Lord? In the Bible, people such as Samuel (1 Sam 3:4-10) and Isaiah (Isa 6:8) experienced direct, audible calls from God. These instances left no doubt about the divine origin of call to ministry. However, these cases were unique and often accompanied significant shifts in God’s work in history. Today, God still calls people to ministry, but He…

[wiirocku]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) - 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.

[walkswithmyfather]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB). “And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT). “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

“Suffering Alone” by In Touch Ministries:

“God doesn't promise us a life free of heartbreak, but He does promise He'll never leave our side.”

“When we face hard times, it’s important to remember the One who promises to be by our side. While Paul was suffering from a thorn in the flesh, God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). In other words, “I’ll take care of you.��

But Jesus doesn’t set aside a reserve of grace and assistance to help us six months from now. We get exactly what we need when we need it. He says, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Heb. 13:5 NLT). Jesus won’t break that promise, and we can find strength in Him.

We may never know why friends or loved ones forsake us in a time of need, but as painful as their abandonment may be, we can let it teach us to rest in God. Sometimes the only way we will learn to lean on the Lord is by finding that all other supports are gone.

At some point, we all experience heartache. But one thing is certain: Jesus will be standing by our side to strengthen and deliver us in our time of need. One day we’ll have the privilege of looking back over our life and seeing how He proved His faithfulness over and over again.”

[Photo thanks to Sixteen Miles Out at Unsplash]

[focr]

"And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."

2 Corinthians 12:9

[biblequotesdaily]

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Romans 13:12

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:3-7

And such were some of you. But ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

1 Corinthians 6:11

[loveerran]

I think addictions or eating disorders are more like the thorn in the flesh Paul talked about.

And less like a false idol that offends God.

Paul's thorn was not Paul's God.

[jesus-is-lord-and-savior]

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

(2 Corinthians 12:10, ESV)

[feastingonchrist]

Freedom in Christ 🥹✝️🕊️

so i have recently realized two things about myself that after putting them together it makes a lot of sense as to why i battle carrying out what the Lord has me doing and how it effects my confidence:

1.) as a child, i was always shamed and shut down when i would speak and try to stand up for myself and was accused of having an attitude all the time for it when that was hardly my intentions behind any of it. i think this is a major reason as to why i lack the confidence in communicating with others because of my upbringing, past negative social situations and subconscious/conscious insecurity. i still to this day have a hard time sharing things and speaking what's on my mind whether good or bad in front of my mom and other people. i have always felt so trapped within myself and so when i made the choice to change my mindset and be open to relationship and the freedom that comes with that to connect with others, i have never felt more free (you'll see a testimony later on in this post.)

2.) i also was shamed for expressing my emotions to the point of i would bottle them up because i did not have a healthy way to express and feel through them. i have carried a lot of anxiety, fear, guilt, anger, etc over the years and even some resentment. it's very hard to live like that and when things get tough i often just naturally resort to those feelings. as a teenager, i began feeling super depressed as i was so isolated and had extreme agoraphobia and social anxiety. i will feel that way to this day when i'm going through things that are difficult and out of control and end up hating myself until things get better. i recognize these are areas where God needs to do some healing work and fill me with His love. my mom was also treated this way and never healed and so i've had to do a lot of growing and teaching out of what i've learned that way we can find healing in our household and be more mature and wiser with how we handle things. this is not a post to bash my mom, just sharing the reality of what i have had to deal with and to share with you how it's possible to overcome anything with God on your side! He works in all the details and takes what the enemy meant for evil and turns it to good!!!

here recently, though, i have been feeling a huge release and freedom, in some areas quicker than others, to be able to express myself because i have so much gratitude for what He has been doing for me. the sense of freedom over my words has been crazy and sometimes it feels so supernatural like my mouth is just opening and words are flowing out... i have been smiling so much. i am walking with so much joy and in some relationships, i just feel like a child full of love for them and excitement to see them. i am able to tell them that i love them and express what's on my heart for them. it has opened so many doors of healing for me that i never would've thought possible. i went from wanting community and relationship but being held back by fear, to slowly but surely and so ironically, experiencing love, healing and comfort within relationships as they establish, develop and grow. i think about these people and interactions we've had together and they bring me so much joy and laughter and keep me going because i know exactly where it's coming from (GOD) and all that love is just building up within me so much that i feel like i'm about to explode bc it's so overwhelming! He has shown me His love in ways of pouring it out on me directly, through showing up for me in all ways and i can trust Him more, and through those He has placed in my life. it's cool to see the different ways and stages He has shown me that He loves me. i always sense when He's doing something new and i know He's building some powerful relationships behind the scenes, giving me boldness, new found confidence and being able to be present in the moment rather than overthinking that leads to insecurity and awkwardness, opening me up to vulnerability, self expression and the desire to share what He's done for me (and so much more), and in turn the hopes of blessing others as i discover and practice my spiritual gifts and talents. i don't just love with my feelings but the desire to do so with my actions. just gotta step out in faith and keep showing up (the ongoing theme of my life, apparently! but, hey, i'm learning so much and being made new constantly so it's so worth it!) i'm constantly being evolved into a new creation yet it's so hard to keep up with what He is doing when there are other areas of thinking and being in my mind and flesh that aren't willing yet my Spirit is so that is the only way i am able to keep going.

i have been so inspired by the faith, boldness and passion of those around me that it's been stirring up my Spirit and i'm just so overwhelmed by that as well as the gratitude i have toward God and those who allow themselves to be used by Him because it's helped my faith grow with motivation, excitement and has brought me so much closer to Him and i have such a newfound passion for and connection to the Church than never before. i have always cared deeply for It, but, to experience this love in real life is truly something special. i engaged in community online and that is so important and i will never stop, but if you are able to get plugged into a good church, YOU NEED TO IT'S LIFE CHANGING! my church is my second home and i would live there if i could lol!!!! i'm grateful i get to be there multiple times a week for service and work. my faith has only gotten stronger ever since i showed up one night sort of desperate yet not really expecting too much. God's hand is oh so present there and He is ON THE MOVEEEE AND ISN'T STOPPING ANYTIME SOON.

idk what God is up to because i am only sensing things and seeing some things slowly coming to pass, but what i do know is that i gotta keep walking and i am able to trust Him more and more each day. I see His love for me and how He shows up for me daily with grace. i have seen my life as a Christian without an active faith and with an active faith, and let me tell you.... having an active faith is one of the greatest blessings. we have to walk in obedience and with blind faith despite the fear and we will see Him meet us in the thick of it and guide our steps (Psalm 23). we need to put on the full armor of God every single day and stay in close communion with Him. The enemy tries to attack us in our minds and use our vulnerabilities to throw us off, and it works for a while, but God will ALWAYS lead us back toward Him and bring us peace, clarity, mind renewal, freedom, and give us the fruits of the Spirits needed to daily live our lives. when you start to feel discouraged RUN TO GOD. don't act as if you don't even know Him as you isolate and self sabotage because you know that only makes your situation worse. instead, run to your Father because He will be there with open arms. Return to the Gospel.

(i could say sooooo much more but this is already way longer than intended but i may add on later or end up posting a draft from last night too because i have so much to say. it's a lot of what i have already written here but i cannot for the life of me organize my thoughts and find new ways to write all of this down and come to new revelations of thanksgiving because He is so good and my words can't do my heart the justice it deserves. idk if i'm still processing or that it's just so much i can't contain it all or confine it and reduce it that i have a billion pages typed and written and idk how the heck i'm going to get this letter written for my church but eventually... hopefully soon cause this has to be released lol

[rachelwhiteartist]

A couple of my favorite pages from my current journaling bible. It's falling apart at the moment, so it may be time to start a one.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Paul's Thorn and God's Grace

7 Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. — 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 | New American Standard Bible (NASB) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Cross References: Numbers 33:55; Job 2:6; Ezekiel 28:24; Daniel 10:19; Hosea 2:6; Matthew 4:10; Matthew 26:44; Romans 8:26; 1 Corinthians 2:3; 1 Corinthians 2:5; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 10:10; 2 Corinthians 12:1; 2 Corinthians 12:5; Ephesians 3:16; Philippians 4:13

[coptorthodox]

And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ 2 Cor 12:9

[drshermaines-wisdomnuggets]

"THERE'S DANGER IN TWISTING SCRIPTURE!"

Deuteronomy 4:2, “Now listen, Israel, listen carefully to the rules and regulations that I am teaching you to follow so that you may live and enter and take possession of the land that God, the God-of-Your-Fathers, is giving to you. DON’T ADD A WORD TO WHAT I COMMAND YOU, AND DON’T REMOVE A WORD FROM IT. Keep the commands of God, your God, that I am commanding you.” (MSG) Ecclesiastes 3:14-15,…

[walkswithmyfather]

Proverbs 5:1-2 (NLT). “My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel. Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned.”

Hebrews 5:14 (ESV). “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”

1 Corinthians 12:10 (NLT). “He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit.”

“Why We Need Spiritual Discernment” by In Touch Ministries:

“When faced with a decision that seems to have several good answers, rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance.”

“Things aren’t always what they seem. That’s the mantra of many mystery books and TV shows, but it’s also a wise attitude for life. Many people make decisions based on feelings or judge situations by what appears to be ideal. Thankfully, God has given every believer a spirit of discernment to help us determine what’s best.

Think about how many decisions we must make on a daily basis—choices about family, finances, work. In a perfect world, each decision would have a correct and incorrect choice. In reality, however, what seems right isn’t always best. Some things that are neither wrong nor sinful may still be outside God’s will for us.

Scripture doesn’t contain specific directives about every possible life scenario. Instead, it’s filled with principles laid down by direct teaching or, at times, through stories. As we grow in spiritual maturity, biblical principles coupled with guidance from the Holy Spirit help us make godly judgments. (See 2 Peter 1:3.)

The question isn’t whether a certain choice looks good or feels right, but whether it’s God’s will for that point in our life. A spirit of discernment is essential for living in His will. Many choices that feel appropriate are actually contrary to what the Lord desires. That is why we must evaluate situations from a biblical perspective and ask the Spirit to guide us.”

[biblequotesdaily]

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.

2 Corinthians 12:7

The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favour in the sight of the Lord.

Sirach 3:18

[geminiagentgreen]

May I be made to inspire and teach my son to read through his future bible with the desire that I long didn't have, for how long have these radiant treasures of verses been unknown to me in my foolishness?

I have dreaded Godly sorrow lately like I have dreaded worldly sorrow - to be avoided, that there must be another way - but Paul here speaking to the church in Corinth is also speaking to the lame like me: he did not speak so as to harm, he did not speak to bully or to cause lasting wounds. His letter was to, and accomplished, turning the people to repentance. I'm now thinking of Psalm 30:5,

"For his anger lasts only a moment,

    but his favor lasts a lifetime;

weeping may stay for the night,

    but rejoicing comes in the morning"

The sorrow that they experienced was for their benefit, and it's not to be the whole of their lives for in Christ there is joy and no more weeping, peace and no more pain.

And what's more, how Paul expresses that he had regret for hurting them. I don't point this out because I think Paul was in any wrong for being harsh, but that he wasn't harsh for the sake of being mean but for love. No one who loves wants to cause pain, but in doing what he had to do and that the Lord saved these people, his regret had been replaced with joy: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11).

Now I'm not excited to go out and experience sorrow for the fun of it, but I pray that we would have our eyes opened to our sins, our hearts brought to repentance, and that we would not fear the recieving of any discipline and rebuke but properly fear with respect any discipline and rebuke - harsh as they might be. May the good Lord watch over His children, and may we be made more and more into the likeness of Christ.

Amen.

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Verses:

2 Corinthians 7:8-10

Psalm 30:5

Hebrews 12:11

[phoenixflames12]