One important background detail in 2 Corinthians is that there were some teachers in the Corinthian church who were questioning Paul, primarily on the basis of his sufferings. They were saying, “There’s no way that God could be blessing someone who is suffering so much. The fact that he has been rejected so often shows that God’s hand is not upon him. On the other hand, look at us! Look at how wealthy and respected and successful we are! Isn’t God with us more than Paul?”
It is easy to judge success by worldly standards. It is easy to think that God is only with the rich, the strong, the successful, and that he has abandoned the poor, the weak, the failures. But Paul writes his letter to show that many times, the opposite is actually the case. In fact, your reaction to failure and rejection say much more about your heart than your reaction to success.
In chapter 5, Paul talks about “those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than a sincere heart.” (5.12)
Did you get that? Sincere heart > Spectacular ministry
And sincerity of heart really isn’t demonstrated in success and strength but in failure and rejection and weakness. Everyone likes to succeed. But it is those who keep pushing forward in the midst of adversity who show what’s really in their hearts.
When you do not give up you show Who it’s all for.
“...our goal is to please him.” (5.9)
Lord, help me to react to weakness, failure and rejection in a way that shows that my heart belongs to you. Amen.
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