Since it is Thanksgiving week, let me ask you, what are you truly thankful for? As strange as it may seem, the answer you give is likely the very opposite of the answer Paul would give. Read his words, then read them again, slowly. “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake” (2 Cor. 12:10).
How can anyone take pleasure in infirmities? The word signifies the opposite of strength, it signifies weakness and the inability to produce results. If this seems strange, keep reading.
How can anyone take pleasure in reproaches? The word indicates insult, contempt, and harsh treatment. So many of us can hardly go without words of encouragement from others. If this seems strange that Paul would find pleasure in this, keep reading.
How can anyone take pleasure in needs? We are living in a time when the cost of what we consider necessities is almost overwhelming. Paul took pleasure in those times when the necessities of life were scarce. If this seems strange to you, keep reading.
How can anyone take pleasure in persecutions? Compare in the previous chapter his list of all he had suffered and compare it to what we have to endure. Paul took pleasure in those periods in his life where his enemies pushed so hard against him. If this seems strange to you, keep reading.
How can anyone take pleasure in distresses? This word is best defined as being pressed on every side so severely that it appears there is no escape. If this seems strange to you that Paul would find pleasure in this, keep reading.
To understand Paul’s “Thanksgiving List,” read the rest of the verse. “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Pay special attention to the words “when” and “then,” for they point to the same time. It is not that “after” I am weak and look back on a situation that I became strong. At the time of his greatest weakness, he had his greatest strength.
When life is easier and we have so many good things for which we can be thankful, we can so easily forget how good circumstances can make us forget about living close to God. However, when circumstances are not “pleasant,” we sense our need for God and turn to Him. He is there, because when we draw near to Him, He draws near to us. James says that such times when trials come, we should count it all joy. He then gives the reason, and it is the same one Paul gives. The results of such trials strengthen us and bring us to spiritual maturity (James 1:4). It might be a good time to look at our lists and see that the best times in our lives is when we are having trials!