My Grace is Sufficient for You

Daily Devotional – Friday, April 1, 2022
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Pride and self-righteousness are grievous sins. They make us believe we are independent of God and fellow human beings. Thankfully, God has a mechanism to help us overcome self-exaltation and remain humble, teachable, and obedient.

Owing to his immense knowledge of the law, his success as a preacher, his sufferings for Christ, and God’s revelations to him, Paul had enough reasons to boast, humanly speaking. How did God use this tool to prevent Paul from boasting?

A Thorn in My Flesh

“Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-8).

It is not clear what the thorn was, but some Bible scholars opine that it was an eye problem. Remember that Paul became blind for three days after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus. Presumably, that is why the apostle traveled with Luke, a medical doctor.

My Grace is Sufficient for You

What is clear, though, is that God allowed Paul’s negative situation to persist so that the apostle would not rely on his own strength but trust fully in God. In exchange, God gave Paul a superior gift:
But He (Jesus) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

God does not give us everything we want or ask for. He allows us to lack so that we might learn to rely on Him. The Lord permits negative circumstances because “when we are weak, then we are strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

What is God Teaching Us?

Like Paul, instead of complaining and sorrowing when trials persist, we should glory in the abundant grace of God. If our current predicaments had no spiritual benefits, God would not allow the trials in our lives.

What unwelcome circumstances are you in today, especially those that have persisted for a long time? What lessons do you think God is teaching you through your trials? Hold on to His grace, and let God remove pride and self-sufficiency from your life.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I need more grace and faith as I face negative situations that I do not understand. Please overcome my pride and teach me to trust in you more and more.