And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV
The Context and Charge:
What is it about grace that makes it clear that you do not deserve it, yet cannot get enough of it? It is given in abundance, beyond any limit known to man, yet man has not been able to determine the source, nature, depth and scope of this grace. A man who typifies this is Paul, who wrote the words here. Actually, these were God's Words to him, following some experiences he had with some sort of pain or discomfort. There are things about God that I may never be able to understand, but I will not be left in doubt as to the workings of God's grace. That is what today's extract emphasizes.
It doesn't matter what the weight of the problem is; the grace of God is sufficient. It doesn't matter how long the pain has lasted; God's grace has existed way long before that pain. Life will happen to the best of us; sin has made pain and suffering part of the human experience. What makes it hard sometimes is the fact that even Christians are not completely immune to the pain. God, in His wisdom and power, may permit some things to challenge our faith because He has a bigger and better agenda for us than we expected or imagined. It is the process that is hard, yet the prize makes the pressure worth it.
The Contention and Conclusion:
As long as I have a source other than God, I will always have alternatives. It is in weakness that God's strength is best appreciated. When I lay it all down at the feet of Jesus, I am telling Jesus to pick it all up and glorify Himself the best way He can. I do not have the wisdom, capacity, capability, strength and connection to make it on my way or to force things; God, who knows me, is the One who is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that I can ask or imagine. Paul, having known this secret, would not let go. I must discover this same secret, so I can speak the same Paul did here.
God will supply what I need, but I must take advantage. God will play his part, but I must rely on Him on a daily basis. God's power makes all the difference; a staff becomes the instrument for parting the Red Sea; his command created the heavens and the earth, and His Word is the force behind his person. This power is available; his power is sufficient. His power turns a mess into a message, tough times into testimonies and trials into triumphs. Paul was a living testimony to that power; I can also experience the same too, if I only can surrender and embrace the source - God. God's time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment