How Healthy Routines Keep Us Focused
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I still remember the moment I realized something had to change. I was standing in my kitchen, staring at the pantry like it held all the answers to my stress. My kids were arguing in the other room, the dog was barking, and I felt that familiar pull to grab a handful of chocolate chips—the kind I kept hidden in the back of the cabinet. It was my go-to comfort, a quick fix for the chaos swirling around me.
But as I reached for the bag, I paused. Was this really how I wanted to keep handling things? Sure, the chocolate might distract me for a minute, but it wouldn’t fix the frustration or the exhaustion. At that moment. I didn’t just need a snack. I needed a reset.
That day marked the beginning of a journey I didn’t fully understand then. I thought I just needed to lose weight. But God showed me it wasn’t just about the food—it was about transforming my life, one small, intentional choice at a time.
The Power of Healthy Routines
Routines are more than just habits—they’re tools that steady us every season. My daily routine includes drinking plenty of water, preparing Lean and Green meals, enjoying my Fuelings (snacks that are fuel for my body), and reading through My LifeBook. These small, intentional choices have become game-changers.
They don’t just help me stay on track physically. They give me clarity of mind and peace of heart.
What about you? What routines keep you focused? Or maybe habits are holding you back—habits that could be replaced with healthier choices.
Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Strong routines act as a guardrail for our hearts, helping us stay aligned with what truly matters.
I didn’t start this journey with grand plans to transform my life. Honestly, I just wanted to lose weight. But as I began making changes, I quickly realized it wasn’t just about what I saw in the mirror—it was about renewing my mind, strengthening my spirit, and learning to live purposefully.
Healthy routines have been an anchor for me, helping me find stability in a chaotic world. Today, I’d love to share how these routines—and stepping out of the Drama Triangle—have changed my life.
Avoiding the Drama Triangle
One of the most eye-opening concepts I’ve learned through this journey is the Drama Triangle. Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen describes this in My LifeBook as a pattern of three roles we often fall into when life feels overwhelming:
1. The Hero: Always trying to fix everything and everyone. It’s exhausting.
2. The Victim: Feeling powerless and stuck, like life is happening to us.
3. The Villain: Placing blame—on others, circumstances, or even ourselves.
These roles trap us in reactive cycles, pulling us away from the peace God desires for us. Romans 12:2 challenges us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” And stepping out of the Drama Triangle is one way to start.
For me, this meant letting go of my need to “rescue” my family from every challenge. Instead, I’ve learned to encourage my kids to find their own solutions—and to lean on God, not on my own strength.
Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect".
Replacing Drama with Empowered Choices
Dr. Andersen’s phrase “Stop. Challenge. Choose.” has become a guiding light for me. When I feel overwhelmed or tempted to fall back into old patterns, I stop and take a breath. I challenge my thoughts—asking if they align with my values. Then, I choose to respond with wisdom rather than react out of frustration.
For example, instead of reaching for food when I’m stressed, I take a walk or spend a few quiet moments in prayer. These small, intentional choices help me stay grounded in what truly matters.
Cultivating Gratitude
Gratitude has been a game-changer in helping me step out of the Drama Triangle. When I focus on what I have, I’m less likely to feel like a Victim or take on the Hero role. Here are three ways I cultivate gratitude:
1. Start Each Day with Thanks
Before diving into the day, I pause to thank God for His blessings. Gratitude shifts my perspective and sets a positive tone for the day.
Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
2. Celebrate Small Wins
Progress doesn’t always come in leaps—it’s often found in tiny, steady steps. I remind myself to celebrate the small victories, knowing they’re part of a bigger journey.
3. End the Day Reflecting on Joy
Each night, I jot down three things I’m thankful for. They don’t have to be big—simple joys like a good conversation or a moment of peace remind me of God’s goodness.
Steps to Transformation
Want to move toward a healthier, more focused life? Here are three practical steps to get started:
1. Step Out of the Drama Triangle
When you feel emotionally overwhelmed, pause. Breathe. Pray. Shift your focus from reacting to responding thoughtfully.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
2. Commit to a Routine
Routines are the building blocks of transformation. Drinking water, nourishing your body, and spending time in God’s Word have kept me grounded. What routine can you start today?
3. Build a Positive Environment
Surround yourself with people and practices that lift you up. Evaluate where you might be slipping into the Drama Triangle and choose relationships and habits that align with your goals.
Finding Freedom and Strength
This journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every small step away from old patterns and toward gratitude and healthy routines brings us closer to who God created us to be.
Psalm 28:7 says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.”
Let’s trust Him to guide us as we build lives filled with purpose, peace, and gratitude.
Are you ready to make one small, positive change today? Let’s step into this journey together. God has amazing things in store for you!
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Weekly readings for the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia and Michelle
November 25
Romans 5, Romans 6, Romans 7, Romans 8:1-17
Strength in the Struggle
Romans 5
In Romans 5, Paul unpacks the beauty of justification by faith in Jesus Christ. This chapter highlights the peace and reconciliation that come through faith. While Adam’s sin brought death into the world, Christ’s sacrifice brings eternal life. Paul emphasizes that God’s grace abounds even more where sin increases. This gift of grace not only frees us but also gives us hope for eternal life. Just as sin reigned in death, now grace reigns through righteousness, offering eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Romans 6
Paul addresses an essential question: Should we continue in sin so grace may increase? His answer is definitive: absolutely not. When we are united with Christ through baptism, we are joined to His death and resurrection. This means our old selves are crucified, and we rise to walk in newness of life. Sin no longer has dominion over us. Paul reminds us that we are instruments of righteousness, and the wages of sin is death—but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 7
The law reveals our sinfulness, showing us how deeply we need a Savior. Paul wrestles with the struggle we all face: the desire to do what is right but the inability to carry it out perfectly. He acknowledges the tension between the sinful nature and the Spirit’s work within us. Ultimately, Paul thanks God for the victory found in Jesus Christ, who rescues us from the body of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-17
Paul triumphantly declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Through Christ, we are freed from the power of sin and death. The Spirit of God lives within us, empowering us to live according to the Spirit rather than the flesh. As children of God, we are heirs of His glory, but to share in that glory, we must also share in His suffering. Paul reminds us that being Spirit-led means living in alignment with God’s will, allowing His Spirit to guide and transform us.
Word of the Day: Struggle
Definition: To use great effort to contend with difficulty or adversity; laboring against resistance.
Embracing Struggle in Light of God’s Grace
Struggles are an unavoidable part of life. Paul’s words in Romans 7:15 resonate deeply: “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” Whether it’s the battle against temptation, the weight of challenges, or the persistence of personal shortcomings, we often find ourselves caught in the tension between wanting to live rightly and falling short.
But our struggles are not in vain. James 1:2-4 tells us that trials build endurance and maturity. These challenges are refining moments, much like pressure transforms coal into diamonds. They mold our character and deepen our faith.
Paul’s journey shows us that while struggles are real, so is the hope found in Christ. Romans 8:1 reminds us that there is no condemnation for those in Christ. Even as we wrestle with our sinfulness, Christ’s Spirit empowers us to overcome.
Finding Strength in the Struggle
When life feels overwhelming:
- Acknowledge the tension. Like Paul, recognize the struggle between your sinful nature and your desire to follow God.
- Rely on the Spirit. Trust the Spirit to guide you and strengthen you to live righteously.
- Embrace trials as growth opportunities. Remember, these moments are shaping you into the person God has called you to be.
Rest in the promise of no condemnation. Jesus has already won the victory; your struggles are not a sign of failure but of God’s transformative work.
November 26
Romans 8:18 – 10:21
Saved by Grace, Living in Hope
Romans 8:18–39
Paul reassures believers that present sufferings cannot compare to the glory awaiting us in Christ. Creation itself eagerly waits for the fulfillment of God’s plan, longing to be set free from corruption. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding for us in alignment with God’s will. Paul’s declaration in Romans 8:28 is a cornerstone of faith: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
He concludes with the unshakable truth: nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Through Him, we are more than conquerors, assured of victory over any trial or hardship.
Romans 9
Paul expresses deep anguish for his fellow Jews, who, despite their rich spiritual heritage, have largely rejected Jesus as the Messiah. He reminds us that true children of God are not determined by physical lineage but by faith in God’s promise.
Paul uses examples like Isaac and Jacob to demonstrate God’s sovereignty in His plans and purposes. Salvation is not achieved through human effort but is a gift of God’s mercy, extended to both Jews and Gentiles. Paul grieves over those who miss this truth, emphasizing that faith, not works, is the foundation of righteousness.
Romans 10
Paul’s heartfelt longing is for Israel’s salvation, but he recognizes that many rely on their own righteousness rather than God’s provision through Christ. He explains that Christ is the culmination of the law, bringing righteousness to all who believe.
Paul beautifully summarizes the gospel in Romans 10:9: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Salvation is available to all, regardless of background or status, and the message of Christ is to be proclaimed so that everyone may hear and believe.
Word of the Day: Saved
Definition: To rescue from harm, danger, or judgment; in the spiritual sense, to be delivered from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Romans Road: God’s Plan of Salvation
The Romans Road is a straightforward way to share the gospel, highlighting key verses from the book of Romans:
- Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Sin separates us from God, leaving us in need of a Savior. - Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
God’s love is unconditional, offering salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice. - Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sin’s penalty is death, but God offers the gift of eternal life. - Romans 8:1 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
In Christ, we are free from the guilt and punishment of sin. - Romans 10:9 – If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Salvation is as simple as confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection.
Through these verses, we see the beauty of God’s grace and the assurance of salvation available to all who believe.
Application: Living as One Who is Saved
Live in Freedom: Knowing you are saved by grace, walk in the freedom and joy that comes from a restored relationship with God.
Embrace Assurance: If you have accepted Christ, there is no condemnation for you. You are secure in His love.
Share the Gospel: Just as Paul longed for Israel’s salvation, we too should share the message of hope with others. The Romans Road is a helpful tool!
Trust God’s Sovereignty: God’s plan of salvation is perfect, and His mercy extends to all. Trust Him to work in your life and the lives of those you love.
November 27
Romans 11:1 – 14:23
[DAILY GRAPHIC]
A Grace-Filled Life
Romans 11: God’s Plan for Jews and Gentiles
Paul reveals the mystery of God’s plan in Romans 11. God has not rejected His people, Israel. A faithful remnant remains, chosen by grace. Paul explains that the hardening of some Jewish hearts has allowed the Gospel to reach the Gentiles. This divine strategy ensures that, ultimately, “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26).
Paul warns Gentile believers not to become arrogant, reminding them that they have been grafted into God’s family by grace. He emphasizes God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and faithfulness, concluding with a beautiful doxology of praise to the depths of God’s wisdom and knowledge.
Romans 12: Living Sacrifices
Paul shifts to practical application, urging believers to respond to God’s mercy by offering themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is true worship. He encourages the renewal of the mind to discern God’s will and outlines the characteristics of a Christlike life:
- Using spiritual gifts for the common good
- Loving sincerely, hating evil, and clinging to what is good
- Practicing hospitality, blessing persecutors, and living in harmony
- Overcoming evil with good and leaving vengeance to God
Paul paints a picture of what it means to live transformed lives, reflecting God’s grace in every action and interaction.
Romans 13: Submission, Love, and Living for Christ
Paul calls believers to submit to governing authorities, recognizing God’s sovereignty over all rulers and institutions. Even in the face of unjust leadership, God’s purposes prevail.
Paul reminds us that love fulfills the law. By loving others as ourselves, we demonstrate the essence of God’s commands. He exhorts believers to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and live in the light, making no provision for sinful desires.
Romans 14: Unity Amid Differences
Paul addresses disputes within the Roman church, particularly concerning food laws and personal convictions. He urges believers to avoid passing judgment on one another and instead prioritize unity.
Key principles:
- Each person is accountable to God, not others.
- Do not let your freedom cause another believer to stumble.
- Act in love, building others up rather than tearing them down.
Romans 14 reminds us to approach differences with grace and understanding, always seeking to honor God and love our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Word of the Day: Grace
Definition: The free and unmerited favor of God, manifest in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.
Grace in Action: Our Response to God’s Gift
Romans 11:6 reminds us, “If it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.”
Grace is a game-changer. It’s not something we earn through effort; it’s a gift freely given by God. Imagine being handed a priceless treasure you could never afford. That’s what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.
Our response to this grace isn’t about repayment—it’s about gratitude. We become living sacrifices, dedicating our lives to the One who gave everything for us. It’s a life marked by love, service, and transformation, not out of obligation but out of a heart overflowing with thankfulness.
Living a Grace-Filled Life
Build Up Others: Use your freedom to encourage and support fellow believers, avoiding judgment or division.
Embrace Grace: Remember that your salvation is a gift, not something you earn. Rest in God’s love and favor.
Be Transformed: Let God renew your mind and transform your actions to align with His will.
Live in Love: Demonstrate God’s grace through genuine love, unity, and kindness toward others.
November 28
Romans 15:1 – 16:27, 2 Corinthians 1:1 – 2:4
Living and Sharing the Gospel
Romans 15: Building Others Up for God’s Glory
Paul opens Romans 15 with a powerful reminder for those strong in faith to support and bear with those who are weaker. He urges believers to build each other up, prioritizing the needs of others over their own.
Romans 15:5–6 captures this beautifully: “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul also reminds the Romans of his mission to the Gentiles, proclaiming the Good News to open their eyes to the joy found in Christ. He exhorts believers to live for God’s glory, filled with hope, peace, and joy through the Holy Spirit.
Romans 16: Greetings and Warnings
In his closing chapter, Paul greets numerous individuals who supported him in spreading the Gospel. His personal connections with fellow believers, like Phoebe, Priscilla, and Aquila, highlight the importance of community and partnership in ministry.
Paul concludes with a warning: avoid false teachers and divisive individuals. Romans 16:19–20 encourages believers to remain wise and innocent, trusting in God’s ultimate victory: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
2 Corinthians 1:1–2:4: Comfort in Trials
Paul opens his second letter to the Corinthians with words of comfort and encouragement, drawing from his own experiences of suffering.
2 Corinthians 1:3–4 reminds us of God’s mercy: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Paul explains his change of plans regarding visiting Corinth, expressing his deep love for the church and his desire to spare them further pain. His words reflect a heart of compassion, reconciliation, and the desire to see the Corinthians grow in faith and unity.
Word of the Day: Gospel
Definition: The good news of Jesus Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and the reign of God brought to the world through Him.
The Gospel: Good News for All
The Gospel is central to our faith. It proclaims salvation, peace, and hope to a broken world. Paul, quoting Isaiah, reminds us of the beauty of those who bring this good news (Romans 10:15; Isaiah 52:7).
The Gospel calls us to:
- Embrace Hope: Jesus’ victory over sin and death brings hope to the darkest situations.
- Embody Change: The Good News invites us to repent and live transformed lives.
- Live with Purpose: Aligning our lives with God’s kingdom purpose brings eternal significance.
- Share the Light: We are called to be messengers of hope, proclaiming the salvation of our God to all the ends of the earth.
Living the Gospel
Proclaim the Good News: Share the Gospel with boldness and love, bringing light and hope to those around you.
Be a Support: Like Paul, bear with the weaknesses of others and seek to build them up.
Cultivate Unity: Live in harmony, glorifying God with one voice and one mind.
Embrace God’s Comfort: In trials, remember that God is the source of all comfort. Let His comfort inspire you to comfort others.
November 29
2 Corinthians 2:5 – 6:13
A Priceless Treasure
Restoration and Forgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:5–17)
Paul reminds the Corinthians of the man who had been disciplined for his sin, urging them to forgive and restore him after his repentance. Paul’s counsel highlights a key principle: withholding forgiveness from the repentant plays into Satan’s schemes. Forgiveness and comfort are vital for healing and unity in the body of Christ.
Paul also speaks of believers as part of Christ’s triumphal procession, spreading the fragrance of His knowledge everywhere. Our lives become a testimony, a living evidence of God’s transformative work in us.
Living by the Spirit and Not Losing Heart (2 Corinthians 3–4)
Paul compares the old covenant of the law with the new covenant of the Spirit. The new covenant brings freedom, transforming believers into the image of Christ with ever-increasing glory.
Paul describes believers as fragile jars of clay containing the treasure of the Gospel. This metaphor reminds us that the greatness of the Gospel shines through our weaknesses.
2 Corinthians 4:8–9 beautifully captures this truth:
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Our suffering allows the life of Jesus to be revealed in us. Though outwardly we waste away, inwardly we are renewed daily as we fix our gaze on eternal things.
New Life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5)
Paul paints a vivid picture of our heavenly hope, likening our earthly bodies to tents that will one day be replaced with eternal, heavenly dwellings.
2 Corinthians 5:17 declares:
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Paul emphasizes reconciliation, explaining that God, through Christ, reconciled us to Himself. Believers are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, called to be Christ’s ambassadors, sharing the message of His grace and love.
Holiness and Separation (2 Corinthians 6:1–13)
Paul appeals to the Corinthians to receive God’s grace sincerely and live lives of holiness and purity. He shares his own hardships in ministry, showing the endurance and love required to serve Christ faithfully.
In this chapter, Paul also encourages believers to remain spiritually pure, avoiding relationships or influences that could compromise their faith.
Word of the Day: Treasure
Definition: Something of great value, such as wealth or precious items; metaphorically, the immeasurable worth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Treasure in Clay Jars
2 Corinthians 4:7 says:
“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.”
The treasure is the Gospel—the light of God’s glory reflected in Christ. The earthen vessels symbolize our frailty, reminding us that the surpassing power belongs to God, not us.
This truth encourages us to embrace our imperfections. Our worth isn’t in our outward appearance or abilities but in the treasure within us. It’s in our weaknesses that God’s glory shines brightest.
Application: Embracing the Treasure Within
Live with Hope: Remember the eternal dwelling that awaits us. This hope empowers us to persevere through trials with joy and faith.
Extend Forgiveness: Just as Paul urged the Corinthians, we must forgive and restore those who repent. Withholding forgiveness leads to division and despair, while forgiveness reflects God’s grace.
Shine Through Weakness: Like jars of clay, embrace your imperfections, trusting that God’s power is revealed through your fragility.
Be an Ambassador of Reconciliation: Share the Gospel boldly, inviting others to be reconciled to God through Christ.
November 30
2 Corinthians 6:14 – 10:18
Boasting in the Lord
Unequally Yoked and True Repentance (2 Corinthians 6:14–7:16)
Paul begins by urging believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. While this is often applied to marriage, Paul extends the principle to any relationship or environment where we allow the world to shape our thinking.
2 Corinthians 6:17 reminds us:
“Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.”
Paul celebrates the Corinthians’ transformation, their godly sorrow leading to repentance. This repentance, far from being harsh, is a vital aspect of the Gospel. Paul rejoices in the report from Titus, who brought news of their renewed hearts and actions.
Excelling in Generosity (2 Corinthians 8–9)
Paul commends the Macedonian churches for their generosity despite their poverty, urging the Corinthians to excel in giving as well. Generosity is an act of grace that reflects God’s own generosity toward us.
2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us:
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Giving not only meets others’ needs but also leads to thanksgiving and glory to God. It is an opportunity to reflect His abundance and faithfulness.
Defending Authority and Spiritual Warfare (2 Corinthians 10)
Paul confronts critics who challenged his authority, explaining that his confidence and strength come from God. He emphasizes that the weapons of spiritual warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to demolish strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:17–18 reminds us where true boasting belongs:
“But, ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”
Paul encourages believers to focus on the tasks God has assigned them, not on human recognition or comparison.
Word of the Day: Boast
Definition: To talk with excessive pride about one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities.
Boasting in the Lord
In today’s culture, boasting often revolves around personal success and worldly accomplishments. Paul flips this perspective, reminding us to boast only in the Lord.
When we boast in the Lord:
- Our focus shifts from self to God: We recognize that every achievement, talent, and blessing comes from Him.
- We find purpose in His plan: Our tasks and roles are meaningful because they align with God’s will, not because they bring worldly recognition.
- We embrace humility: Boasting in the Lord keeps us grounded and authentic, reminding us that His strength works through our weaknesses.
2 Corinthians 4:7 beautifully illustrates this:
“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.”
Application: Living with Authenticity and Generosity
- Guard Your Influences: Avoid relationships or environments that lead you away from God’s truth. Instead, pursue what builds your faith.
- Practice Generosity: Give cheerfully and willingly, reflecting God’s grace in your life. Your generosity not only blesses others but also glorifies God.
- Boast in the Lord: Let your life’s achievements and blessings point back to Him, recognizing that His power is at work in you.
Engage in Spiritual Warfare: Use the spiritual weapons God provides—prayer, Scripture, and faith—to stand firm against worldly strongholds.
December 1
2 Corinthians 11:1 – 13:13, Acts 20:7 – 12
Overcoming Our Thorns
Paul’s Suffering and Strength in Weakness (2 Corinthians 11–12)
Paul’s letters to the Corinthians remind us of his tireless devotion to the Gospel. Despite false apostles leading the Corinthians astray, Paul defends his ministry not with pride but through humility.
2 Corinthians 11:30:
“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.”
Paul highlights his hardships: shipwrecks, beatings, hunger, and dangers from all sides. Yet, in these trials, he found Christ’s strength.
In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul reveals a personal struggle—a “thorn in the flesh” given to keep him humble. Despite pleading with God to remove it, Paul receives this answer:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” ( 2 Corinthians 12:9)
This profound truth encourages us to embrace our weaknesses as opportunities for God’s strength to shine through. Paul even declares:
“For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Final Exhortations and a Miraculous Resurrection (2 Corinthians 13, Acts 20:7–12)
Paul’s final words to the Corinthians include an urgent call to self-examination:
2 Corinthians 13:5:
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”
Paul desires maturity and unity among the believers, encouraging them to stand firm in truth, live in peace, and grow in harmony. He concludes with this blessing:
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
In Acts 20, Paul preaches late into the night as he prepares to depart. During this extended session, a young man named Eutychus falls asleep, tumbles from a third-story window, and dies. But Paul, through God’s power, brings him back to life. Amazingly, Paul continues preaching until dawn.
This episode reminds us of the urgency and dedication with which Paul shared the Gospel, even amidst miraculous events.
Word of the Day: Thorn
Definition: Something that causes distress, irritation, or challenge.
Lessons from Thorns
In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul’s “thorn” teaches us the profound impact of trials in our lives. Thorns can humble us, refine us, and draw us closer to God.
Thorns serve two key purposes:
- Hindering Pride: Paul’s thorn kept him grounded despite extraordinary spiritual experiences. It reminded him that his strength was in Christ alone.
- Deepening Dependence: Thorns can force us to rely on God’s grace. In our weaknesses, we experience His strength.
Paul’s response to his thorn is a model for us:
- He did not let it hinder his faith.
- He viewed it as discipline that kept him on the path of righteousness.
- He found joy in knowing God’s grace was sufficient.
2 Corinthians 12:10:
“For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Application: Embracing Our Weaknesses
Be a Comforter: Just as Paul forgave and encouraged the repentant, extend grace and comfort to others.
Acknowledge Your Thorns: Reflect on the struggles that keep you humble and dependent on God.
Rely on Grace: Trust in God’s promise that His grace is sufficient for every trial.
Find Strength in Weakness: Recognize that your limitations are opportunities for God’s power to work through you.
