Sufficiency for the Insufficient

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

There are times when we, like the apostle Paul, plead with God to change the circumstances.   It may be a persistent health problem, unemployment, financial limitation, an unsaved loved one, etc.   Or perhaps it is the apparent call from God to serve Him in some way that seems impossible, and you pray for Him to release you from this obligation.

God’s answer to you and me is likely to be the one He gave to the apostle Paul in today’s theme verse. Three times Paul had offered a pleading prayer that an unnamed thorn in the flesh might be removed. God answered him, but not in the way he hoped. He said, My grace is sufficient for you. He did not remove the condition, but He pointed to His provision of enabling grace.

The key word in God’s answer seems to me to be “is.”  Christians tend to pray “make your grace sufficient for this situation,” or “make your grace available to me in my time of need.”   God longs for us to claim the “is.”   He has already made His grace both adequate and available for every Christian in every situation.   It becomes a matter of unbelief if we pray for what is already available.

Dr. A. W. Tozer declared, “God is always previous.”   He has made provision prior to our petition.   One day during the construction of the main building at Keswick, my father was approached by the electrical contractor.   He said, “Mr. Raws, this is Friday, the day I pay my men.   I’ll need a check for $ 3,000 to deposit by noon so I can write their pay checks.”   Dad knew that the Keswick account was near zero, and as he stood by his desk, he told the Lord how impossible the situation was from the human standpoint.   He said, “Lord, only you can do something about this.”   He picked up the first letter from the pile of morning mail.   As he unfolded its contents, he discovered a check for $ 3,000.   The attorney writing the letter apologized for having taken so long to settle the estate of a man who had died three years before.   International complications had delayed the payment until this time.   God’s timing was perfect.   He had made provision for the need three years in advance. Rev. William A. Raws is the grandson of the founder of America’s Keswick and served for over 50 years in a variety of roles.

Keswick, America’s  (2012-12-13). Real Victory for Real Life Volume 2 (Kindle Locations 4463-4485).  . Kindle Edition.

Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 1-2;  Revelation 5

Quote of the day: If you have a Bible that’s falling apart, you’ll have a life that is not. Dr. Adrian Rogers

Bible Memory: “Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.” Psalm 119:73-74 ESV