Marie’ daily verse: For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. 13Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground (Ephesians 6:12-13).

DAILY DEVOTION, January 27, 2022

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness… (2 Corinthians 12:9a).

Paul prayed for the removal of a “thorn” in his flesh. God answered his prayer with a resounding “No!” Paul had seen God do so much in his life that God feared Paul would get the big head! God answered Paul’s prayer, but not in line with what Paul requested. Ever been there?

God tells Paul that he rests under God’s grace, which is enough. When we humans are weak, if we rely on the grace of God, we will always be victorious. The word “grace” refers to God’s undeserved favor upon those who trust in Jesus. So what if you have to live with a thorn in the flesh? You have been forgiven of all your transgressions, and heaven is your destiny. That is enough.

Paul makes one final point. When we acknowledge that we are weak, we receive God’s strength. If we think we are strong, we say to God, “I don’t need Your grace and strength for this situation.” Better to rely on God’s grace than our own strength.

Father, help me to trust in Your grace when my prayers are answered with a “no.” Your grace has given so much to me. There are no words to express my gratitude. I believe in the promise that Jesus will be with me to the end of the age. In His name, I pray. Amen.