A couple days ago I wrote about having paid off 75k in consumer debt. Many people look at that and say “Wow, what an accomplishment!” I look back on it and say “How stupid was I to rack up that much debt in the first place?!?” I have learned that one of the best ways to help people in the situations they are in is to talk about some of the stupid things I’ve done and then the process of working out of those situations. If I come up to you and said “Here’s what you need to do to lose weight” you would probably shut me out. If I come up to you and tell you about how I was overweight and on medication and constantly sick and lethargic, but now I’ve dropped 55 pounds, take no medication, and feel great you might start to listen. We listen to people who have been there and overcome much more than someone who has merely studied the situation or has some idea about how to help. Unfortunately, this requires us to admit our own shortfalls before we can help others (that rings a bell). However, many of us have the attitude of “I once thought I was wrong, but I was mistaken”.
In 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 Paul writes about “the things that show my weakness.” He is not afraid to talk about the bad things that happened and even how weak and sinful he is. And that’s where his hope is found, through his own weakness, he is able to see God more clearly and allow God to lead him. In doing so, he provides hope to those who are currently struggling.
On a side note, I love the way Paul opens his boastings: “You listen to all these other fools, so you might as well listen to me.” I’ll have to try that at work sometime. 