This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing to teach on the fact that “God’s Grace is Sufficient.” Yesterday we looked at verses 9 and 10 from Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth, but I did not really deal with verse 10. Let’s address it today.
After discussing all he did about his trip to heaven, the messenger from satan that came afterward, his repeated requests of God to remove the messenger, and God’s decision to give him more grace instead of less challenge, the Apostle Paul wrote, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV). Let me share this same verse from the J. B. Phillips New Testament. It reads, “Therefore, I have cheerfully made up my mind to be proud of my weaknesses, because they mean a deeper experience of the power of Christ. I can even enjoy weaknesses, suffering, privations, persecutions and difficulties for Christ’s sake. For my very weakness makes me strong in him.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. There is a difference between suffering for Christ and reaping what you have sown. I need to make this point up front. Paul cheerfully accepted the challenges that came to him because of his divine assignment, but this is not to be confused with challenges we bring upon ourselves because of bad decisions. If you sow bad seed you will reap a bad harvest and that is nothing to be cheerful about.
2. God gives you grace to face whatever you are facing. God loves you and as a loving Father He carefully watches over you to ensure you have enough grace to face whatever you are facing. If you are facing it, then God has already given you the grace for it.
3. Bigger challenges mean more grace. Paul faced seemingly insurmountable challenges, but everytime he did, God gave him more grace. Instead of lowering the bar on the challenges, God raised the bar on His grace and Paul was able to triumph over every challenge and overcome every obstacle. So if you are facing something harder than you have ever faced, know that God has given you access to another level of His grace.
4. Bigger challenges mean God trusts you with more. God will not allow you to face something you cannot handle. Therefore, if you are facing it, it is evidence that God trusts you with it and that you have the grace for it. Paul took pleasure in every challenge satan brought his way, because he knew it meant God was trusting him to face it and overcome it, by grace.
5. Bigger challenges mean you are making a difference. Satan only attacks those worth attacking. Paul was under a great attack, because the Apostle had a great assignment. It’s the same with you. If satan constantly attacks you, it is only because you are making a difference in this world.
6. Bigger challenges mean you are being perfected in weakness. God is only able to allow you to face bigger challenges when you die to self and rely on His grace. So if it seems like satan is attacking you at a greater level, and God is allowing it, then it is evident that you are growing in grace by accepting your weakness and relying on God’s strength.
7. When the challenges come, GET EXCITED. When you understand grace you don’t cower at challenges, you get excited about the fact that God has allowed you to face it, and that it will be a great testimony when it’s over.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me more and more about Your amazing grace. My understanding of Your grace is changing the way I look at challenges. Instead of bowing my head, and saying, “Woe is me!,” when I face a challenge, I now get excited because I know I have the grace to face it. You will never allow me to face something that You have not already graced me to face, so if I am facing it, I can take it, You trust me with it, and I will overcome it by Your grace. Therefore, by faith I declare that I am not moved by what I see. I trust You Father and You trust me. The more I die to self, the more I am able to access and experience Your grace, and the more You are able to accomplish in the earth through me. Satan is not going to idly sit by and watch me maximize my purpose and potential in life. Satan will do all he can to stop me. But the greater the challenges get, the more grace You give me, and the more excited I get about the experiences I will have in You. So like Paul I say, “I have cheerfully made up my mind to be proud of my weaknesses, because they mean a deeper experience of the power of Christ. I can even enjoy weaknesses, suffering, persecutions and difficulties for Christ’s sake. For my very weakness makes me strong in You!” I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
