Sufficient Grace

I Cor. 12: So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.What do I boast about? What am I willing to reveal about my weaknesses? What do I take pleasure in?Paul had much to be proud of: he was an erudite student, trained under the master teacher, Gamaliel. He was an expert on the Law, and had worked diligently to obey the Law. Now he was one of the Apostles, one of 12, a very exclusive membership. He had seen and talked with Jesus on the Damascus road; he had been privy to an incredible vision (taken up into the heavens). He planted church after church and was a prolific letter writer. He was a man’s man, tough as nails.BUT he suffered—A LOT! He was “awarded” a thorn to keep him humble. That affliction reminded Paul that it wasn’t about his goodness, his perfections, his accomplishments, or his abilities. It was about God and His power. Paul had taken on the mantle of the “invisible” man so that Christ could be made visible in his mortal body. And how was Christ made most visible? In Paul’s perseverance through insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that he suffered for Christ. These things made him look weak, but there was a Reality at work in those weaknesses that imbued him with a supernatural strength. Paul chose to glory in that.And what comfort that has given Christians throughout the Centuries—right down to this very moment for you and me. We can take our cues and encouragement from Paul. Our suffering seems “manageable” because, “if Paul made it, so can we.” We can boast about our weaknesses; we can be vulnerable enough to proclaim that we don’t have it all together; we can take pleasure in our helplessness over the things that buffet our body and soul. And why? All for Christ! All for the glory of God!!!!!!Abba Father, may our only pride be in bringing You glory, regardless of our station in life, regardless of our weaknesses, regardless of our hardships! All praise to You, now and forever. Amen.Lord’s Prayer moment….In heaven (in the heavens): God is near—nearer than we know. He is omnipresent, everywhere, without limits or restrictions. In breathing this prayer, I KNOW that He is present, that He will never leave me nor forsake me. Experience His closeness NOW as you breathe in and breathe out His Name.