7 November | EVERYONE
"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
In the verses preceding the one above, Paul exposes the struggle between two people who dwell within him. The carnal man who tries to take glory for himself about the wonders that God has done in his life, and the spiritual man who desires to give glory to God for His grace and mercy. Paul says, among other things: "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me" (2 Corinthians 12:7-8).
Many believe that this "thorn in the flesh" was a physical problem; but from the context, it could also be inferred that Paul is referring to some aspect of his sinful nature that stimulated pride and vainglory in his being. The servant of God pleaded, many times, to be delivered from this "messenger of Satan." A terrible struggle that made him exclaim one day: “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24).
God’s response to his cry, as we read in today's text, was: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." How much wisdom in a few words! When we feel strong, we unconsciously believe that we do not need God. We consider ourselves victorious; we trust in our self-control or our willpower. But when we fall and kiss the dust of defeat, we remember that there is nothing good in us, and then divine grace comes pouring out.
Paul, in today's verse, concludes by emphasizing that he prefers to feel weak in order to let the power of Christ work in him. That is grace.
Take Action
You are not strong enough; you cannot win the spiritual battle on your own. But if you let Him, God does it all in you, simply because He loves you. Sing "My Grace Is Sufficient" (if possible, with your family).