The Glorious Weakness of Human Effort. 2 Corinthians 12:9. NIV

God Loves You

There is much in life we can do nothing about. We have scores of personal weaknesses. If only we were some superhero with immense strength and super intelligence. But we are just ordinary people, with problems we can’t fix.

“But he said to me, 'my grace is sufficient to you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. NIV.

If anyone could have expected the Almighty to lift their burden it should have been Paul the great Apostle. He struggled with an illness he termed the “thorn in the flesh,” (2 Corinthians 12:7). This great man of faith whose service to God is unparalleled sought The Lord in prayer for deliverance on multiple occasions. Instead of healing Paul was given the promised blessing that God’s grace will suffice.

Today’s faith community has many definitions of grace. Some say grace is “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” Many sing that we are saved by Amazing Grace. Others define grace as synonymous with mercy, favor, or dignity.

This verse tells that grace:

• Comes from God
• Is sufficient
• Is for me
• Has power
• Is perfect in my weakness.

There is the grace that leads to salvation, where Gog comes into our lives; but this is the grace of God being in our lives, it is an experience of God. This grace is intimate and personal to those of us who call out to God.

God’s power was already perfect, but it is in our weaknesses He shows His perfect power. Often we don’t look to Him until we are faced with our own weakness; then we seek Him and our weakness becomes the vehicle that God uses to manifest His power. If I had never known weakness then I would never value God’s strength and power. Paul, through his weakness, experienced the power of Christ in a way that even the Apostle would never have known otherwise. His weakness became something to celebrate.

We all have some weakness. Like Paul, we who can’t help ourselves must look to Him Who Can. Paul’s prayer for deliverance was answered not with healing but with “promise perspective,” that God's grace would be enough. Our prayers for victory over our struggles may not result in more strength but in more of God in our lives. Cry out to God about your weakness; thankfully ask the Lord for His abundant grace, keep it up until you can celebrate His power in your life.

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(c) Adron 3/4/10