G.R.A.C.E.
“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
What is grace? It is commonly defined as God’s unmerited favor. To me it has been God’s Refuge Against Crushing Experiences.
I’ve found grace to be the thing that keeps you from going over the edge. What about when you go over the edge? Well, then it’s what keeps you from a crash landing when you do go over the edge. What about when you have a crash landing? Then, it’s the thing that enables you to get up, be mended and keep moving forward. Let me put it like this, grace is what keeps you from being crushed by the many trials and tribulations you will experience or have experienced throughout your life.
We can learn a vital lesson from Paul, the writer of the scripture referenced above. He recognized that at his weakest point, he was the strongest. For at his weakest point, the power of Christ rested upon him and that is grace – the power of Christ upon you during your crushing experiences. It seems difficult when you are in those situations to glory in His presence, but that is the only way you can find comfort in His refuge. We must learn to completely, totally and unrestrictedly trust in God to be our strength. His strength is made perfect, comes to fruition, in our weakness. I pray that God will enable, equip and encourage you today to face whatever life brings your way, not in your strength alone, but in His strength.
D’Lorah is a licensed minister at Calvary Christian Center in Ormond Beach, Florida and an instructor in the IMPACT School of Ministry. She is also is an HR professional in the education industry. She has just completed and self-published a 30 day devotional entitled “G.R.A.C.E.”. You can visit D’Lorah over at her personal blog: Joy Cometh in the Morning.
Amen! Thank you for reminding us today that in our trials and tribulations, God raises us up. Sometimes I don’t feel so strong but in those times of desperation and when I am so dependent upon God, I see that it is not in my strength but His that I can be a overcomer. 🙂
With out God’s grace every morning I would be in trouble. And it is true during times when I feel my weakest I find God’s strength. Great thoughts today.
Amen to that D’Lorah. I am so glad that I can be strong in Him, especially the times when everything seems to go wrong.
Thank you for your sharing your encouragement with our LWG readers.
Thanks Iris! His grace IS sufficient though I vividly remember a Sunday morning almost 2 years ago on my solo drive to church when I told God right there in my car that I was tired of hearing that His grace was sufficient because I just couldn’t FEEL it at the moment! My husband was struggling with a serious health issue and I was worn out. I had actually decided to NOT go to church but the Holy Spirit nudged. My emotions bubbled over in the car and I had to compose myself before entering the church…would hate for anyone to think I didn’t have it all together! 😉 The sermon that day….”There’s a Purpose in Suffering” and the verse was 2 Corinthians 12:9! Isn’t that just like our Heavenly Father!!??