His Grace is Sufficient…
2 Corinthians 12:9 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.” Paul, in this passage, was discussing a trial he was enduring. He described his suffering as a thorn in his flesh. Many people differ as to what this “thorn” was, but for our topic today, the more important point is why did God allow it and how was Paul to deal with it? Paul reminds us that God has a Sovereign plan for our suffering, that His grace is sufficient to deal with any sufferings, and that God’s grace is constantly available. One commentary put it this way, God would not remove the thorn, as Paul had requested, but would continually supply him with grace to endure it (cf. 1 Cor. 15:10; Phil. 4:13; Col. 1:29)…Also, the weaker the human instrument, the more clearly God’s grace shines forth…Paul took no pleasure in the pain itself, but rejoiced in the power of Christ that it revealed through him.”[1]
That is our hope and prayer for you over the next several weeks, as we look at this subject of suffering and testing of our faith, that we will grow in endurance and that we may be continually growing in maturity in Christ.
[1] MacArthur, J. J. 1997, c1997. The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.). Word Pub.: Nashville



