Grace that is sufficient

The apostle Paul was not a man who gave up easily. He traveled thousands of miles, started churches, wrote letters that are still read today. Yet he also lived with what he called a thorn in the flesh. We are not told exactly what it was. We are told that he asked God three times to take it away, and that God answered him in a way he did not expect.

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, King James Version)

An answer that was not "no"

God did not say, "I do not care about this." He said, "My grace is sufficient for thee." In other words: what you have in Me is enough to live well, even with this. Paul's life was not put on hold until something changed. His life, as it was, became a place where the power of Christ could rest.

This matters for anyone living with a disability. Your life is not a waiting room. You do not have to become someone else before God can work through you. His grace is enough for the life you have today.

Strength made perfect

We usually try to hide weakness. Paul decided to stop hiding it, because he found that when he could not rely on himself, he leaned more fully on Christ. Everyone has limits; some are simply more visible than others. The person who cannot hide their need for help may understand something about grace that others are still learning.

In a church or a family, this turns the usual ideas upside down. The person who needs the most help is not the least important member. Often they are the one who teaches everyone else to slow down, to serve, and to receive.

Christ who rests upon us

The verse ends with a picture: the power of Christ resting on Paul like a tent pitched over him. Jesus Himself chose weakness. He was born in a stable, worked with His hands, and was crucified in apparent defeat. Through that weakness came the resurrection. The pattern of God's kingdom is that strength often comes through what the world overlooks.

To carry with you

• When you feel your limits, try praying, "Your grace is enough for me today."
• Think of one way your life has shown someone else the kindness of Christ.
• If you are a caregiver, His grace is sufficient for you too, including on the days you feel you are not enough.

Grace does not wait for a better day. It meets you in this one.

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Sources

• 2 Corinthians 12, King James Version (eBible.org)