2 Corinthians 12:9 ~ “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Definition of GRACE ~ The Power of God to do for us what we CANNOT do ourselves.
We could never do anything to deserve the GRACE of God – it is freely given from God.
Have you ever had the thought that you were weak? Not able to overcome something of this world?
Guess what? Paul felt the same way!
God intends that in our weakest moment we are seeking Him for POWER that will get us through that weak moment. He doesn’t want us to WORK THROUGH IT ON OUR OWN! Instead God wants us to depend on Him to get us through!
Ephesians 6:10 says “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” – This verse doesn’t say anything about being strong on our own WITHOUT God! The design of God is that humanity would look to Him and reach out for strength when all else fails!
God’s GRACE is a gift to the believer because it is by that GRACE that we set about to make changes in our lives to reflect the Lord. We realize what God has done for us and we begin to weigh that GRACE in the face of that thing that makes us weak in this life…when we see we can’t get through the temptation without relying on God’s GRACE – we love it all the more and realize it is such a GIFT!
Do you use the GRACE of God to get through troubles and temptations in this life?
· The illness that can’t be cured
· The accident that happened and changed my life
· The lack of money when I need it most
· The children that won’t do right – even though I have taught them
· The alcohol that I want to give up
· The pills that I want to quit taking to dull the pain of life
· The enjoyment from doing something I know I should not do
· The seeing something I want and can’t have
The GROWING believer seeks to make changes in their lives and replace these troubles and temptations by looking at God and never taking our eyes off of Him.
You see, the trouble and temptation do NOT go away – our vision becomes clearer concerning where we need to be looking! This is the gift of GRACE at work in our lives!
© GRACE strengthens us in our weakness in this life. We begin to develop Christian Character when we are depending on God in ALL situations in this life! God will use our troubles and temptations and ability to overcome them to build bridges to other people! His GRACE is alive! When we give our weakness to God – we are learning to become Christ-Centered! Our belief enriches our faith! Hebrews 11:33-35 says “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.”
© GRACE suffices in the storms we face! The word ‘suffice’ or ‘sufficient’ means enough. God gives us just what we need to come through the storms of life and KNOW HE IS ENOUGH! Philippians 1:20 says “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” – God gives us ENOUGH COURAGE to make it through the storms! Jesus was God’s gift to us to support us, to strengthen us and to be our security when all else fails! His GRACE helps us see these great Biblical Truths!
© GRACE seasons the believer to see that we never LOSE ANYTHING even in troubles and temptations! 2 Thessalonians 1:3 says “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers,[a] as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” – God takes our GROWTH in HIM and uses it in our daily lives so that others can see His POWER working in us! When we are growing in the Lord we realize that the growth is more important that the trouble or temptation. We realize that God has given us a gift in the knowledge we are growing with! We realize that the Promises of God are true!
God is EL SHADDAI – God ALMIGHTY – one that is sufficient! God has the ability to cover all the weak spots in us! We have to let Him and BELIEVE Him in order for His Power to be at work in us!
God’s GRACE rests over or upon us like a tent or tabernacle. We begin to really understand this when we LET GOD TAKE OVER in our troubles and temptations!
We find that Paul openly admitted that he was weak in some areas and that made his testimony that much more powerful!
When was the last time that we admitted we are weak and in need of God? When was the last time when we got real with each other and let God soften our hearts.
In order to feel the POWER OF GOD upon/over us we have to admit what we are weak in and get filled up on HIS POWER.
God’s response to Paul’s prayer is so tender and loving. God has no condemnation or judgment toward His children! He WANTS us to understand that His GRACE is sufficient in all our troubles and temptations!
What LOVE this is! Do you know that LOVE tonight? Admit to God the troubles and temptations you have and let Him cover you like a tabernacle or tent! Let Him take the burden and replace it with love and joy and peace!
He doesn’t need us to be perfect – He did that! He needs us to admit to Him what we can’t do and let Him DO IT!
God’s GRACE is really amazing!
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
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