Brother Kirt's Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians 12:2-5

2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know-- God knows.

3 And I know that this man-- whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows--

4 was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.

5 I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.

Paul continues in his explanation or “boasting” about what God had done for him rather than what he had accomplished for himself. He was called up to the third heaven/paradise by God himself. He does not know whether it was a vision or if he was actually there in the flesh. Whichever the case, it was a very real experience that God had revealed to this man Paul. He heard things that he was not allowed to talk about there. There is no doubt he stood in awe as these things went on around him. Now, he will boast about a man like that…that had been so blessed by God to receive such a great revelation. But he cannot boast about anything except what God has done for him. It was not by his own merits that these glorious things were shown to him, but because of God’s agenda for Him. No, he can truly boast only about his own weaknesses. He portrays for us the attitude that we should all have in this life. There is nothing that we can claim as our own, for God has granted it. The only things we can truly claim as our own is our sins and mistakes and weaknesses. The blessings in life…grace, mercy, salvation, forgiveness, and so many others…come from only one source, God. May we continue to only boast about how God blesses us and uses us despite our many shortcomings. If He can use us for His glory, then He really can use anyone. (Including a former persecutor of the church by the name of Paul!)

Father God, use me to glorify You despite my weaknesses and shortcomings. Thank you again for all the blessings you pour out upon my life daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.