Perspective Shift: Student EditionSample

Have you ever felt like the hard things of life seem to follow you, despite your best efforts to avoid them? You may find it counterintuitive, but accepting our weakness can lead to our greatest strength. This is exactly what we see in Paul’s life! In the scripture for today, Paul says that he pleaded with God that what he called a “thorn” would be removed from him. We don’t know what it was, but we know that it was serious for Paul. The Lord didn’t say, “Don’t worry Paul, I got you”, instead He said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Talk about a perspective shift! What Paul learned, and what we need to understand, is that no matter how strong or problem-free we seem, none of us has the power to walk the Christian life in our own power.

• Recite this week's memory verse: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21, KJV).
• What are some weaknesses you've been hesitant to embrace?
• How can you lean more on the grace and strength of God daily?