His Grace Is Sufficient
When you go through tough times we often try and do so much before we rely on God. 2 Corinthians 12:9 shows us a different - better way. “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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Paul went through some of the most incredible circumstances while setting up churches throughout the Eurasian countries. Here’s a guy who was literally beaten with rods, locked in chains, thrown in jail to die, bitten by vipers, whipped and so on……however, he always turned to God for his strength no matter what he was going through. The awesome thing is that God always gave him the strength to make it through whatever burden he was having to bear at the time.
One thing was evident; I could not have done it on my own. God made it so clear that it was only through His grace that I was able to go through that four years and come out intact, in fact stronger for it.
There is a song by Hillsong called “His Love”. Whenever I hear it, which is often because I really enjoy hearing its’ message, I am reminded that love and grace go hand in hand. John tells us in this verse: “This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.” 1 John 3:10 That in order to love and be able to give grace to others we need to know God’s love first.
Likewise, in order to love others we often have to know how to be people of grace and be able to extend that grace to them. How many people do you know who are hard for you to love? Do you find it really difficult to think of them as brothers and sisters in Christ, or go to them and give them an encouraging word or hug when they are in need? This is precisely where God’s grace comes in. He may have not had a reason to love us either, however, His Grace made it possible. As His children, we ought to extend that same grace to others, to truly be examples of Him.
