His Grace is Sufficient

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong 

Dear Suzanne, Rebecca, Anna and Mikayla,

This one has been speaking to my heart lately as I see such sadness and grief all around me.  So grateful for the Lord in my life and that His grace is made perfect in my weakness.  Paul had a thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan to buffet him and protect him from getting puffed up.  He pleaded with God three times to remove it and God said no...what God did do, however, was give him the grace to endure it.

Paul went on to say that he had learned that when he was weak, Christ was strong.  How gracious is our God.  He knows our frames.  He knows we are dust.  How discouraging it would be to only be used by Him or only to feel His power when I was strong and on top of my game. How much effort it would take for me  to stay there. I thank my God that He does not want my efforts.  He wants my surrender. He wants us me to  acknowledge my weakness so His power can rest upon me.  

God strength is made perfect in our weakness.  Just when we need it the most, His strength fills us.  Our bodies on the outside might be deteriorating and perishing, but our inward man is being renewed every day and infused with His power.  What a wonderful glorious gift...what amazing consolation we have in Him. 

I had never truly experienced his power and strength until I experienced my own weakness. When I am feeling weak physically or weak emotionally, I think back to the day of my salvation.  I think of  my own weakness and helplessness and in my heart I fall down and worship Him...thanking Him for the weakness that caused me to cry out and be delivered from the darkness into His marvelous light. Our weakness does the same thing today as we walk with Him.  My limitations give me courage and hope...They enables me to rest my hope fully in Him and depend on Him instead of me. Delight yourself in Him...He will give you the desires of your heart. Revel and rest in His goodness and mercy.  Remember that the battle is not yours.  He fights for you.

2 Chronicles 20:15  " ...Thus says the LORD to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's."

Exodus 14:14  "The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace"

Love
Mom