He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 WEB
As imperfect people in a fallen world, difficulty is certain in our lives. Jesus wants believers to know this as he says in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world. WEB”
Paul’s words of God’s grace arise from a “thorn” in his side. He pleaded with God to remove it, but that did not happen. Instead, Paul asserts that his painful circumstance occurred to keep him from conceit or self-satisfaction. God responded to his pleas with this assurance, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
In our culture today, we experience promises of prosperity and living our best life now with God eliminating all sorrow and trouble. In contrast, scripture describes difficulties the faithful endure while here on earth.
Great Is Your Reward
After giving the beatitudes, in Matthew 5:11-12 Jesus says, “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. WEB” These words of Christ make clear the trouble that the faithful endure on this earth.
As Paul teaches, it is the grace of God and the peace we receive from salvation through faith in Jesus Christ that gives us strength to endure hardship. We rejoice even when trouble comes because we know the love of God.
Like Paul, when we call out to God for assistance, we grow closer to him. In our weakness, God makes his strength apparent. Whether the thorn in the flesh is physical, emotional, or related to the temptations of sin, our troubles tend us toward reliance on the Lord. Although things don’t always go our way, we can take comfort from God’s answer to Paul’s petition, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth you revealed to Paul saying, “My grace is sufficient.” You are my refuge and the source of my strength. I trust in you and rejoice in your saving grace. Deliver me from temptation. Shield me from the assaults of the enemy. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: According to The Spirit
