2 Corinthians 12:9 | Sufficient Grace

2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.’”

I think it is in our nature to seek an escape from pain. It is the reflex that makes our hands snap back if we touch something hot. To be clear, I don’t think God is calling us to intentionally hurt ourselves, although he has promised we will suffer. Instead, I believe this verse is talking about the power to endure and learn to rely on God.

There are so many things to enjoy about the presence of God. We tend to gravitate toward the positive verses in the scriptures and forget that the Bible is actually very honest and raw. The scriptures do a fantastic job of reflecting on real life with all its highs and lows.

Sometimes God works miracles. Sometimes he removes the pain. Other times, he gives us the grace to press through.

I find that usually, we don’t like the grace option at first. Yet this reality models something extraordinary about the power of God in our lives. It shows us that we can face an opposing force with strength through the grace of God.

While, at first glance, keeping the pain feels like the last thing we want, we realize that God has given us a unique opportunity to endure and persevere through our trials. How amazing is it to think about facing a challenge with the power of God surging through you? This is an incredible thing to imagine.

That is precisely what God invites us into. As we boast in our weaknesses, God’s power increases in us. Suddenly, we get to model the upside-down gospel to those around us, showing our dependency on God through amazing strength and faith.

Don’t worry; the pressure is not on us. God promises to make way for us when we rely on him. He will give us strength as we rest in his presence. So if you are facing a trial today, perhaps God is allowing you to rely on his strength and experience renewed grace in your life.

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