“And He said unto me, ‘My Grace is sufficient for you—for My Strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities that that Power of Christ may rest upon me.”
II Corinthians 12:9
Regardless of our circumstances, our God will always give us what we need when we need it.
Have there ever been any greater words than these? Has there ever been any sweeter comfort than this? No, not likely—for, in the words “My Grace is sufficient for you and My Strength is made perfect in your weakness,” we find God’s most sublime “Blessed Assurance.”
There’s no doubt Paul had a problem. In fact, he clearly identifies it, although we really don’t know exactly what he was talking about: “A thorn in the flesh.”
Was this a stomach ailment or some other physical ailment (I Tim. 5:23)? Was it his poor eyesight? Could it have been his memories of how he “persecuted the Church of God beyond measure” (Gal. 1:13) and even consented to Stephen’s stoning and held his clothes as he died (Acts 7:58)?
We don’t know; but we do know this:
The “thorn” bothered him. A lot. He even likened it to “a messenger of satan, given to him to buffet (Grk. ‘kolaphizo’—‘to rap repeatedly with the fists, punish, chastise, etc.’) him” (v.7b). And, he’d repeatedly prayed that it’d be taken away (v.8).
But, it hadn’t. And, evidently it wouldn’t be.
Only then did he learn a new lesson about God’s saving Grace and realize it was/is also a “sufficient (Grk. ‘arkeo’—‘to raise a barrier, avail, ward off, be satisfactory, content, bear up, etc.’) for him.”
Simply put, he didn’t need to look anywhere else for help. God’s Grace was all he needed and would ever need. Hallelujah!!
That’s why he was able to “glory (Grk. ‘kauchaomai’—‘to vaunt forward, elevate, boast of, rejoice in, etc.’) in his infirmities” and “take pleasure (Grk. ‘eudokeo’—‘think well of, be pleased with, willingly accept, etc.’) in reproaches, necessities, persecutions and distresses” (v.10). He knew God’s Will would never lead him where His Grace—His “unearnable Love that gives us what we don’t deserve”—would not sustain him.
Isn’t that a wonderful assurance, Pilgrim?
Most assuredly it is.
Therefore, if you’re going through a difficult time right now, whisper to yourself, “God’s Grace is sufficient for me.” If your heart’s about to break right now with sorrow, quietly repeat “God’s Grace is sufficient for me.” If someone you love is suffering terribly and you feel so helpless to assist them, say aloud “God’s Grace is sufficient for them (and me).” Then, feel His loving Arms around you as He whispers, “Now rest in Me, weary one. I know your needs and have it all under control” (Mt. 11:28-30). Thank You, Lord.
October 28, 2011
