Real Talk, Real FreedomSample

Life is filled with complexity and challenge, although it plays out differently for each of us.  We all have a story of which God is most familiar.   When people get real about their story, they get free. When we’re not honest about our story it brings further devastation and pain.   

In 2 Corinthians 12, we hear Paul honestly processing publicly both his strengths and weaknesses;  his giftings and his struggles. He tells of his marvelous revelation , while also sharing the great pain he has experienced.  On one hand he’s a big deal,  while on the other hand,  he has real, unresolved  issues.  

We all  could present ourselves as put together, even conceited, for a variety of reasons. However, like Paul,  most of us also have accompanying pain that God hasn’t removed.  Through Paul’s transparency we see him in weakness, in insult,  in persecution, and in difficulty.  

It’s in weakness that we  experience Jesus’ strength and his life-giving power.  There is a Kingdom reality available in exchange for  every weakness and hard season  through which we’ll walk.  The beautiful truth is that God’s redemption is working in our lives and through our lives.  

Questions  

Have you personally felt unshakable pain or the lingering effects of hardship?   

Have you personally felt the tension of God using you  in His strength?   

Ask God to reveal what he offers in exchange for the pain  or pressure you’re currently facing.   He wants to work redemptive miracles in your story.