A GRACE BOOST
2 CORINTHIANS 12:9-10
2 CORINTHIANS 12:9-10 NKJ
9 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. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
As we discussed yesterday, Paul endured some tough times. It seemed that everywhere he went, he started revivals and riots. I look forward to meeting him in heaven one day. He is an impressive guy.
Here, Paul is talking to the Lord about some of his difficulties, and the Lord gives him an answer. God's grace would be sufficient for him. Then God stated that His strength would be made complete when Paul was weak. In other words, whatever Paul was dealing with, God's strength would show up. When Paul reached his limits, God's grace would pick up the slack and take it from there. And Paul got it. Instead of trying to do things in his own power, when he hit a tough spot that he was not strong enough to overcome, God's grace would kick in. A friend of mine likened it to a supercharger on a car. When driving around town, the supercharger is not needed. But if you must pass someone quickly, that supercharger would kick in with all the power you need.
This is why Paul could say he took pleasure in weak areas, insults, persecution, and distresses. He knew there was God's grace, His power to strengthen him with a supernatural strength. Paul relied on the grace boost.
APPLICATION
I have observed this grace boost, especially when people have lost a loved one. Sometimes they would shake their heads at how they were able to handle things.
I must be honest and admit I have not yet reached the place where I take pleasure in weakness, reproaches, needs, persecutions and distresses for Christ's sake. But I know in what direction I need to go and what to look for. The grace that boosted Paul is still available to you and me. And if it was grace that enabled Paul to handle the challenges and problems he faced, then that same grace can boost us and strengthen us to handle what we face in life. His grace is sufficient.
PRAYER
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the grace available to me, especially when I reach the end of my rope. Thank You that Your grace is sufficient.