DEVOTION, DECEMBER 8, 2020, Grace is Sufficient

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (NKJV)
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.

After he became a Christian, Paul’s life was filled with pain and problems. In the verses above he refers to one problem, but we are not sure what the issue was. A “messenger of Satan” was causing him all kinds of difficulty. We don’t know if the messenger was a person harassing him or some physical ailment. He prays for the removal of this obstacle. God says in effect, “No,  I am not going to remove the obstacle. However, I will grant you grace that will enable you to endure. My grace is sufficient (more than adequate) to allow you to continue your ministry unhindered.”

I am sure many of us can identify with Paul. We have beseeched the Lord about a matter. The desired answer has not come. Can you affirm with Paul, God’s grace is sufficient? God’s grace has given us the gift of eternal life; the gift of the Holy Spirit; the church; fellowship with Himself; assurances of His love; etc. When we remember what we have received from the grace of God we can surely declare, “it is enough.”

Gracious Father, I thank You for Your abundant grace. You have poured out so many blessings upon my life. When I do not receive an answer to a specific prayer help me to focus on Your grace. In the gracious name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.