Scripture
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Observation
Paul refuses to boast about his spiritual experiences. He has been taken up to heaven and seen things that are wonderful but he is not allowed to talk about them. Still he refuses to boast about these things.

He could be proud but God has kept him humble. A thorn in the flesh, a messenger from satan, continues to torment him so that he is forced to rely on the grace of God.

It is in weakness that Paul experiences the grace of Christ, so if he will boast about anything it is the weakness and brokenness that keep him at the foot of the cross.

Application
We live in an age that tries to make heroes and celebrities. The church is not immune from such things, and there are any number of celebrity preachers who boast about their dreams, visions, revelations and miracles.

The reality is that true intimacy with Christ comes in the daily world of being faithful to Him in our weaknesses and struggles.

Miraculous answers to prayer are wonderful experiences and strengthen our ability to trust God. But real strength comes as we persevere in prayer, as we wrestle the enemy and subdue our temptations.

Prayer
Thank you Lord for being with me every day and for the way that you use my weakness to glorify your name. Amen.