Sufficient means enough. The Grace study in Celebrate Recovery lesson 18 brought me to 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 this morning. The very first thing I read this morning was: “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,”.
That was quick there is my affirmation for today: The Lord’s grace is sufficient for me. Is there really anything else to say? Nothing further needs to be said, that is enough.
Why do we feel we must do something more. Those who struggle with guilt, addictions and other thorns in the flesh must realize God’s grace is all we need. Let’s look at the entire ninth verse in chapter 12 of 2 Corinthians:
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. (NKJ)
Don’t beat yourself over your weaknesses. Those are the very things that allow God to show His strength in us. Do not believe the world when it says to be ashamed that you are somehow deficient. You are NOT. You have a thorn in the flesh, a weakness that allows God to show Himself. Boast in your infirmities my brothers and sisters. Stand and be thankful that God will reveal Himself because of these weaknesses.
Because of our weaknesses the POWER OF CHRIST RESTS UPON US! Man o man. God’s grace and His power is all I need. Thank you God for taking my weaknesses, my addictions, my struggles and showing Your grace and Your strength. Read what The Message said regarding these verses:
7-10Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,
My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.
Yes, His grace is sufficient for me. Have you experienced this grace in your life? Do you need to? It is enough.
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
Holy Cannoli Tom this affirmation is one of my FAVORITES! I’ve got so many weaknesses that I tend to focus on but YAY! God shows up in my weakness. I should remember this but really, I continue to forget it. Thank you~
Thank you Robin. Sooo funny you like it. I was thinking as I wrote this this morning. I sure wish I could right with such few words as my friend Robin. Even on a concise message of sufficiency I can’t say it in under 400 words! Ha…you can say so much more in 20…Have a great day…So Glad He is strong in our weaknesses…whatever they may be.
Three words sum it up for me Tom: I NEED IT! Not much more I can add.
Thanks Bill. It’s a good thing we need it. He is so faithful to show Himself and give us this grace that is beyond our understanding!! soooo grateful…have a great service in your new building!! Will be praying for you as I attend my services tomorrow!
amen tom without grace we have nothing !
john from liverpool england.
just spent a week in hospital tom please pray for a speedy recovery and that i dont have to wear a cafeta to urinate
thanks bro
Praying John, May God’s healing hands and will be with You. His grace and His strength is sufficient. God you are the mighty Jehovah Rapha. The LORD who heals. Please place Your hand upon John and be with those caring for Him. Please be the source of wisdom and strength. Praying that you recover quickly and go forward to continue your race!