“. . . but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Cor. 12:9, RSV).
Earlier in 2 Corinthians St. Paul talks about “. . . a thorn was given me in the flesh, . . . to keep me from being too elated.” God responds, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9, RSV). St. Paul’s egocentricity is humbled by his affliction and he learns to rely on God’s grace. Having learned his lesson, St. Paul says, “ . . . for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10, RSV).
Traders Worship Strength
The trading community despises weakness and worships strength. The trading community despises losing and worships winning. Is the trading community anti-God? Perhaps anti-God is too strong a word. In general, traders don’t think about God in connection with their trading. Only after being wounded by losses do certain traders consider turning to God. And even then, they do so half-heartedly.
The Great Humbler
Why is God important to traders? Because God is the great corrector of attitudes . . . the great humbler. Traders need to learn that an egocentric attitude doesn’t further their trading. Grace does. And developing an attitude of receptivity to grace through opening your wounds to God is paramount. Only by expressing emotional weakness can you be healed by grace. Because it takes strength to fall deeply into your emotional wounds and wait for God’s healing. “ . . . for when I am weak, then I am strong” (ibid).
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