Morning Devotional 100225 Defying the Odds

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

October 2, 2025 

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

7 I was given a thorn in my body because of the outstanding revelations I’ve received so that I wouldn’t be conceited. It’s a messenger from Satan sent to torment me so that I wouldn’t be conceited. 8 I pleaded with the Lord three times for it to leave me alone. 9 He said to me, “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” So I’ll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power can rest on me. 10 Therefore, I’m all right with weaknesses, insults, disasters, harassments, and stressful situations for the sake of Christ, because when I’m weak, then I’m strong.

Good Morning! God’s grace is enough!

He said to me, 

“My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.”

Paul is reminding us that without God, we can not stand strong. The idea of power made perfect in weakness contradicts all that our earthly ideals teach us. Think of the stereotypical playground bully: “Might makes Right!” and “Power belongs to the Strongest and/or the Richest.” We have seen these ideas played out locally and globally. 

Think of the mighty army that stomps over all that stands in its way. Doesn’t the group with the most weapons and the greatest number of followers win? Even our sports teams mirror this concept. 

Me, I always like to root for the underdog. David was the ultimate underdog when he faced Goliath. There is no way that he could win. In our time, the odds makers would have listed David as an extreme long shot, but David did defeat Goliath. He didn’t use the fancy weapons and armor offered to him. He stepped forward in his shepherd's clothing, armed with a sling and pebbles (the weapons of a shepherd). How can this be? 

Only God can defy the odds set by people. Jesus said, “Do not fear! I have overcome the world!” We all have God’s power made perfect in weakness (our weakness) within us. This power lies waiting for us to use when we face the unbeatable foe of evil that stands before us. 

Loving Lord, you bless us abundantly! We are weak without your power. Even the strongest evil falls when confronted by your love.  Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: God blesses us with the power made perfect in our weaknesses.

God defies the Odds! Pastor Liz