His Grace is Sufficient

“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”(2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)

Many believe the thorn in Paul’s side was not physical but the false teachers who had invaded Corinth. While this was a thorn, it seems it was also a check and balance for Paul. In his own words, it kept him from becoming conceited. God told Paul that his grace was enough for him and that weakness, not strength, was perfected in God’s power. How is weakness a strength? It is a strength because it forces us to rely on God, not ourselves.

 We have limited free will because God has charted our lives. He uses our decisions within His plan to mold us into the image of Christ. We all have thorns; some have not started to fester and become bothersome. It might be an illness, a troubled marriage, or a spiritual struggle; nonetheless, the grace of God is more powerful than any roadblock placed before us. The enemy is so adept at challenging us and our faith, but God overcomes all things in one way or another.

James wrote, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” James is correct; being humble glorifies God, who rewards His children. Be like Paul and boast of your weaknesses. From our weakness, the grace of God is revealed. This is the most marvelous testimony of all. God took a pile of dirty rags and transformed them into a servant of the Lord.

Amen. Every day God is great, and Great is God, every day.

May the peace of the Lord, which surpasses all understanding, rest upon you and fill your hearts with comfort and tranquility.

Grace and Peace!