God's Glory (2)
Matt Poe
In his letter, Paul continued to encourage the Corinthians Christians. He told them that God had given him a painful problem. We do not know what this problem was. But Paul explained that this problem kept him from being proud. Instead of complaining about his problem, Paul accepted it and used it to show God’s strength. Paul even was happy that he faced times of persecution. In 2 Corinthians 12;10, Paul talked about how he had become strong through his weaknesses. “Yes, I am glad to have weaknesses if they are for Christ. I am glad to be insulted and have hard times. I am glad when I am persecuted and have problems, because it is when I am weak that I am really strong.” Even after we become a Christian, we still have struggles. We should not be ashamed of these struggles. Instead, we should look for ways to use these struggles to show God’s glory. Other people can see our weaknesses and how God makes us strong to serve Him. Tell other people how God has changed your life. Let your weaknesses be a testimony of God’s great power and glory.
God's Glory (1)
Matt Poe
Sometimes our fears, doubts and shame keep us from doing our best. If we don’t think that we can do something, we probably will not be able to do it. We may think that we cannot do much for God. But as Christians, we have been glorified through Jesus’ death on the cross. Our sins have been forgiven, and we have been made right with God. We do not need to hide ourselves from others or from God. Paul wrote a letter to the Christians in the city of Corinth. He reminded them that their sins were forgiven and that they had freedom to serve God. Paul also explained that non-Christians have a “covering” that keeps them from showing God’s glory. Then in 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul explains how Christians show God’s glory. “And our faces are not covered. We all show the Lord’s glory, and we are being changed to be like him. This change in us brings more and more glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” If you are a Christian, you can show God’s glory to other people. And you have the freedom to serve God and do your best for Him. Allow God’s Spirit to work in your life and help you be more like Him!