Strength in Weakness

"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."                                —2 Corinthians 12:7-10

I am weak. I have many faults. I worry. I stumble. I doubt. I fear.
Is it just me, or is it heartening to know that even Paul was weak? That even though he prayed and pleaded to God, that he was given the 'No.' answer? The fact that others have faults may be heartening to my humanness, but it is so comforting and reassuring to me know that:


If I didn't worry, then I wouldn't rely on His faithfulness. Because He cares for me.
If I didn't stumble, then I wouldn't rely on His grace and forgiveness. Because He forgives me.
If I didn't doubt, then I wouldn't rely on His Sovereignty. Because He even died for me.
If I didn't fear, then I wouldn't rely on His protection. Because He loves me.
If I can't __(anything)__, then I wouldn't rely on Him. Because:



In Christ,