2 Corinthians 12:9

New International Version (NIV)

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

For Meditation

I don’t know how Paul felt then, but I sure know I wouldn’t have been happy.

“Lord, how could you? Don’t you feel my pain? Don’t I deserve to be healed?”

Now, this is the great Apostle Paul we are talking about here. He is the one who performed great miracles in his ministry. He healed the sick (Acts 14:8-10), cast out evil spirits (16:18), and raised the dead (20:7-12). When he raised his voice at midnight in praise of the Lord in prison at Philippi, it caused a violent earthquake, the prison doors opened, and their chains came loose (16:25-26). In Ephesus, the miracles were so extraordinary that “even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them” (19:12). How come, then, that he couldn’t heal himself? Why is it that three times Paul pleaded with the Lord, and each time the answer was the same: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). As I ponder over these things, I realize that I have no power in myself to do anything, but that which Christ gives me. It is all grace!

The beauty of grace, however is that I do not have to struggle for it. I do not have to amass all the wealth of the world to buy it. I don’t even deserve anything from God; but He freely gives me all things. It takes pride and boasting away, and in that humbled state, Christ’s power flows through me. It teaches me to empty myself always and allow His Spirit to fill me. I count it a privilege and honor when He works through me, and I’m thankful. I respectfully ask His permission for everything and wait, leaning on His sovereign will for a response. It may not be pleasant or acceptable to me, but I trust His loving kindness and judgment that there is a purpose and maturation for me in His response. That is grace abounding and carrying me in His sufficiency.

1. Are you completely leaning on God’s grace in your life?
2. Are you still struggling with Him?
3. Did you think you owned the power to do whatever you put your mind to?
4. Did you think you had the right to whatever you asked for from Him (Rm. 11:35)?
5. Do you know God’s plans, what He wants for you, and what he wants to do through you (Jer. 29:11)?

I pray you stop arguing and fighting God and just throw yourself on His grace to carry you through it all.

So: May you thank Jesus for His grace that saved you; and may you trust His grace to finish its work in you until glory dawns for His church.

Amazing grace; how sweet the sound!

Shalom