Read 2 Corinthians 2:4-5:9.
In this passage, Paul is writing at a point in his life where he’s pretty banged up. He’s on mission, but the manner and mode he’s living out of is characterized by weakness. His body is wasting away, while inwardly he’s being renewed to a forever body - all of which is by God’s design.
These passages are teaching me that we’re not supposed to shrink back in our weaknesses, especially among the family of God. Frailty is our finest hour. Through my personal disease, God has shown me that the worldly model of a leader is not what He had in mind when He called me to follow Him. Rather, He is using me in my weakness to show His supremacy.
However tough it may be to embrace, these are my best days—my glory days and His. I would never have chosen this role for myself, but in my intimate times with the Lord, He has asked me to take this on. And I’m working to do so faithfully.
Father, help us see Your strength working in our weakness. When You call us to follow through sickness and disease, give us the grace to do so faithfully. Amen.
-from a missionary to Russia and the Caucasus