Sickbeds and Sermons

Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

British preacher Charles Spurgeon once said: I dare say that the greatest earthly blessing that God can give to any of us is health, with the exception of sickness.

He meant that God can bless us - and we can grow - during times of illness in ways that may not be possible when in good health. As the puritan Thomas Watson put it, "A sickbed often teaches more than a sermon."

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul was suffering from an infirmity. He viewed it as "a messenger of Satan to buffet me," and he prayed three times for healing. Though God didn't choose to heal him, He did say, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." That changed Paul's attitude, and he responded, "Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Paul's condition might have been a messenger of Satan, but God took the message and rewrote it. Do you feel hindered today? Battling illness or disease? Feeling weak? Satan will try to discourage you with all kinds of difficulties but ask God for His sufficient grace to encourage and settle you.

Lord, may Your grace be all-sufficient for me today that the power of Christ might be exhibited in my life.