SUFFICIENT GRACE

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 ESV)

God’s grace is always sufficient in times of extraordinary troubles. We, however, are not very patient and quickly begin to despair when our prayers for relief are not answered in the time and manner we desire. These are the times when we discover the divine power to persevere in spite of our own weakness. God’s power is manifested in our endurance. Self-righteousness, worldly wisdom, and trusting in your own strength will ultimately fall flat. Trusting in Jesus Christ will never fail you. Jesus said:

I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5 ESV)

Thus, Jesus will walk with us through the trials and tribulations of this thorny life and in the middle of all this, we will glorify Him and not our sufferings. His grace will provide us strength when our’s has failed.

When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace all-sufficient shall be your supply;
the flame shall not hurt you; I only design
your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no never forsake!
(“How Firm a Foundation”, Hymnary.Org)