Bible Reading Blog
“My Grace is Sufficient”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: 2 Corinthians 12
God’s actions of grace are diverse and sometimes puzzling. For as often as we see positive actions – parting the Red Sea and crushing Israel’s enemy (Exodus 14), empowering David against Goliath (1 Samuel 17), ultimately sending Jesus to earth to bring salvation (Titus 2.11)—we also see negative ones. God led Israel out of Egyptian slavery directly into the wilderness to humble them (Deuteronomy 8.2-3). He brought judgment on his people so he could heal and restore them (Hosea 6.1). God gave Paul a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble (2 Corinthians 12.7).
We know God’s grace trains us how to live (Titus 2.11-12) but we mustn’t be surprised when the way it works appears contrary to our well-being. Paul was given this thorn to address his pride. It was a very present burden that caused him to be weak (2 Corinthians 12.9-10). But worse, Paul saw that Satan was using this thorn against (2 Corinthians 12.7). Talk about getting it from both sides! He hated it and desperately wanted it taken away (2 Corinthians 12.8).
But what does God tell him? “My grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12.9). God could take it away, but he would not. Why? God’s grace was not for his happiness but his holiness. God allowed this thorn to persist in order to teach Paul not to rely on himself (see 2 Corinthians 1.9-10). This infirmity would not allow Paul to live as he wanted, and that’s precisely where God wanted him. Paul had been redeemed from that way of life but apparently the draw to proudly trust himself or flout his experiences was a constant battle.
Paul’s struggle with pride is common to everyone. We may not display it with overt arrogance, but any time we trust ourselves more than God, we are expressing pride. Our digressions into doubts and fears are Satan’s work to focus on what we can or cannot do. In these moments we need to remind ourselves that God’s power is greater, his promises are sure, and his grace is sufficient in my weakness.
We all have thorns to live with. Sometimes it is a physical infirmity. Other times it is a psychological struggle. We encounter difficult people in difficult situations that we don’t want to deal with. Thorns provide moments of clarity and decision. Satan wants us to see nothing more than our discomfort— it’s certainly present at times. BUT if we believe all things work together for good (Romans 8.28), then we begin to understand these things position us to trust God. As Joseph would say to his brothers, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50.20). Whatever circumstance we find ourselves, let us not only recognize God’s grace, but take comfort that God’s power is being perfected in our weakness.
“I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me… for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12.9-10)
