[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: His grace is sufficient for you

Read: 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10

Meditation verse:

“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” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The passage is silent on the nature or form of the thorn in Paul’s flesh. Whatever it was, it must have been unpleasant, because he pleaded with God to remove it from him on three occasions. He was desperate to get rid of it. When God in His infinite wisdom refused his plea, Paul did not let the ‘thorn in his flesh’ become a hindrance to the fulfilment of his ministry. He recognized that God was His true source of strength. He knew he could depend on God’s power to remain effective and useful because in that weakness, God’s unfailing grace was already available for him. In admitting his weakness, he was affirming God’s strength.

We all have our fair share of weaknesses or shortcomings that we desire to get rid of. However, these need not defeat or hinder us because we can depend on God’s strength and press on to victory. What you do with your weakness will determine whether you will live the life you were created for. As in Paul’s case, God may not remove your weakness, so quit sitting around and waiting for Him to make them disappear. The power to excel despite that weakness, has already been made available for you, all you need to do is appropriate it.

So, how do you appropriate God’s power in your weakness? If for instance, you recognize that you have a temper and are prone to outbursts of anger, you need to live in the consciousness that God’s grace is present in you to help you exercise self-control. Rather than giving in to angry outbursts when faced with an annoying situation, say ‘Lord, Your grace is sufficient for me, Your strength is already here to help me stay calm. I choose to depend on it over my weakness”.

“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17). It may not happen instantly, and you may still lose your temper every now and then, but as you continue speaking and declaring God’s power, you will experience victory ultimately. This same principle will work for a recovering alcoholic, a sex maniac or a drug addict who has surrendered his will to God. Therefore, do not be defeated by your infirmities, because in them, the power of Christ rests upon you.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

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