Daily Devotional for Friday, November 13
Paul’s Credentials
2 Corinthians 11:16-22
“I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also,” 2 Corinthians 11:16-18.
The false teachers in Corinth boasted about their strengths and sought to impress others. Paul, however, turned their thinking upside down. He reminded the believers that true spiritual authority does not come from worldly success but from a heart surrendered to Jesus. His credentials were written in scars, tears and perseverance. Through it all, God’s power was seen most clearly in Paul’s weakness.
Paul’s example teaches us something profound about following Christ. We often think God uses us because of our strengths, but in truth, He often works more deeply through our humility and dependence on Him. When we boast only in the Lord, our lives point others to His grace and not our accomplishments.
We may not face the same trials Paul did, but each of us is called to serve faithfully where we are—whether in joy or hardship. The real credentials of a believer are not the things that impress people, but the quiet faithfulness that pleases God. Every act of love, every prayer offered, every moment of endurance for His sake becomes part of our testimony.
Thought for Today
Your true worth in Christ is not measured by what you have achieved but by your faithfulness to Him. Let your life today reflect humility, endurance and devotion—the kind of credentials that honor the Lord.
Steven Ridings