SUFFICIENT GRACE

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But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  2 Corinthians 12:9

Banana bread, an easy-to-make, cake-like bread, was developed in the United States as a way to utilize overripe bananas. Overripe bananas are mushy and rotten-tasting, but when combined with butter, sugar, and flour, they turn into something delicious. The same can be true when we have trials.

Our trials are the workroom of God’s grace. Whether in this life or in view of our future hope, God is at work turning the rotten and painful things in your life into sweet and beautiful things. He is always working all things together for your good.

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul tells his readers that a thorn was given in his flesh. When he pleaded with the Lord to take it away, the Lord responded with: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Countless hours have been spent trying to determine what Paul’s “thorn” was, but it’s possible he kept it ambiguous so that Christians throughout history would read this and be able to put themselves in his shoes. We all have our thorns, circumstances, and trials that cause us great pain and suffering. But the good news is that these words that the Lord spoke to Paul are the words he speaks to you: “My grace is sufficient.” 

This is because the one who allows thorns to enter your life is the one who wore a crown of thorns on the cross as he bore your sin. The one who entered into the world’s suffering in order to redeem it is the same one who now walks with you through your suffering. Whatever your thorn, Christ’s grace is sufficient for you in the midst of the fiercest trials and the deepest of pains. It is sufficient today and it will be sufficient tomorrow.

Because of Christ’s sufficient grace, you can persevere in suffering.

Reflect

1. How do you respond to difficulties in life? 
2. What does Jesus’ response to Paul show you about grace?
3. How does this understanding of God’s sufficient grace change how you respond to difficulties?

Pray

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  2 Corinthians 12:9

Heavenly Father, none of my pains and sufferings go unnoticed because you see me. I can trust you because you have never left my side in the midst of troubles. Your grace is sufficient for me. Remind me that your power is made perfect when I am weak. Lord, if I boast too much in my own power and strength, humble me to see how far you have carried me. I pray that your name would be praised in all seasons of my life. To you be the honor and glory and power. In Jesus’ name, amen.