Strength in Weakness

[mbrob]

The Apostle Paul writes in 2nd Corinthians 12:

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might
depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most
gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that
the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches,
in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's
sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Does anybody want to share how their experiences with OCD have led to strength? This could be inspiring for those who are in the thick of their struggles. Thanks!

 

[mbrob]

The Apostle Paul writes in 2nd Corinthians 12:

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might
depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most
gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that
the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches,
in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's
sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Does anybody want to share how their experiences with OCD have led to strength? This could be inspiring for those who are in the thick of their struggles. Thanks!

OK, so I'm the first one replying to my own thread, running the risk of showing bad etiquette.

God has been at work through my experiences with OCD, that "bottomed out" when my obsessive thinking collided with the "unpardonable sin."

This experience was so raw. As I reflect in a somewhat better state of mind, I can see what God was doing. He was destroying me.

So that he could rebuild me.

I obviously had fears that I would "lose my salvation"; I was never doubting who Jesus was, but responding to an embedded fear. Sounds like superstition more than faith?

Destroyed.

Shattered.

Rebuilding.

God has taught me:

1. He truly works in mysterious ways.

2. His Grace is sufficient. "Sufficient" is God's Word. He is being to the point and even humble. His Grace is overwhelming. We cannot earn it. As His children, we cannot break it.

3. Get busy. Stop pondering your faith in your head. Start living it. Start sharing it. In the depths of my despair, God was there, but I did not perceive it. I felt upside down; fallen from grace. I do not want anybody to experience that feeling of being lost. Not here. Not hereafter. Help the broken. Share your time, resources, and faith with them.

We are commanded to do so.

4. If you can't wrap your mind around your faith, wrap your faith around your mind.

5. Fear has met its match: "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." Romans 8:15.

"Abba" reflects a personal relationship with the Father.

God Bless!

Marc