God has placed a profound sense of eternity in the hearts of all mankind, yet without His direct calling, individuals remain unable to fully comprehend His grand design or purpose for their lives. This limitation reveals a deep powerlessness, as no human effort can alter the course of events or times set by God. His sovereignty dictates that what He does endures forever, and nothing can be added to or taken from it, leaving mankind helpless to control or change His established order. This awareness of powerlessness before God is vital, as it fosters humility and a sharp understanding of total dependence upon Him. He is the Potter, and we are the clay, shaped according to His will and timing, without full knowledge of the form He intends for us. Submitting to His creativity requires trust, as we cannot see the complete picture or dictate the pace of His work in our lives. Attempting to alter His purpose through sheer effort is evidence of pride, for His times and operations are permanent and unchangeable. God desires to remove any argument that might lead us to choose a different path than His, reinforcing our helplessness through experiences that teach us we cannot control time or the events within it. This intense grasp of our limitations before Him produces humility of tremendous value, aligning us with His will as we learn to trust His timing and shaping hand in every aspect of our existence.

God has instilled in humanity a sense of eternity, yet without His direct calling, individuals remain unable to fully comprehend the grand design He is working out. This leaves them in a state of powerlessness, groping through life like the terribly near-sighted, unable to alter the course of events or grasp the full purpose of their existence. Through experiences, we gradually become aware of our sheer helplessness, unable to manipulate time or manage the times we live in. This intense understanding deepens our dependence on Him to work out His purposes in our lives. The humility produced by this awareness is of tremendous value, as we are reminded that without Him, we can do nothing toward His purpose. Our responsibility is to yield to His sovereign control, recognizing that He shapes our lives and characters with a glorious end in mind.

Paul experienced a persistent problem, possibly a demon as a messenger of satan that buffeted him, causing him significant distress. Despite his prayers for relief, the issue remained, reflecting his powerlessness to overcome it on his own. In this state of weakness, Paul recognized his dependence on Christ, understanding that without Him, he could do nothing. This realization prevented self-exaltation and kept him humble. His infirmities, reproaches, needs, persecutions, and distresses became opportunities for Christ to be present and active in his life, turning moments of great need into occasions for divine work and greater union with Him. Paul found pleasure in this, boasting in his weaknesses as they highlighted his reliance on Christ's power.