Strength in Weakness (a Sonnet)

Not all your aches and pains the Lord will heal,

For some are necessary for the soul;

Through pain and persecution does reveal

Humility in Christ will make you whole.

The agonies you carry day to day

Are badges of your victory in Christ,

For in His name all weaknesses display

A strength in spirit shown His love sufficed.

The thorns left in your side serve to remind

That Grace is all you ever truly need.

The Saviour's power is perfect and defined

When in your suffering His gift succeeds.

            Can you delight in weakness for Christ's sake?

            His Presence is made known in you awake.

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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.

2 Corinthians 12:10

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