Today we continue our new series entitled, “Press through it!”
We have been looking at the same passage (2 Cor 12:2-10) for weeks. I will start wrapping this up as we prepare to move on to another passage.
After Paul discussed all he did about his trip to heaven — the messenger from satan, his repeated requests for God to remove it, and God’s decision to give him more grace instead of less challenge — the Apostle Paul made the following statement. “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.” That was from the New International Version. The same statement, in the J. B. Phillips translation, 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 big difference between suffering for Christ and reaping a bad harvest on bad seed. I need to make this point up front. Paul cheerfully accepted the challenges that came to him because he knew these challenges were tied to his divine assignment. 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 dearly. 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. The height of your challenges will never exceed the power of God’s 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. This is a major point. God should be able to trust you to handle things today that would have crushed you a decade ago. This is why Paul took pleasure in the challenges. 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. If no one is ever talking about you, then you are probably not doing anything of significance. But if you are a world-changer, you will be talked about, attacked, and opposed as you seek to perform God’s will.
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 evidence that you are growing in grace by accepting your weakness and relying on God’s strength. Congratulations!
7. When the challenges come, GET EXCITED. When you understand God’s grace you don’t cower at challenges. You get excited about the fact that God has allowed you to face it. You face the challenge head-on, knowing you will have a great testimony when it’s over.
Declaration of Faith:
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 I cannot handle. So if I am facing it, I can take it, You have given me the grace for it, and You trust me with it! Knowing this I know I will come out on top every time! Therefore, I am not moved by what I see. I am only moved by what You say. Your grade is on me. Your Spirit is in me. Your power is made available to me. I rejoice in every challenge, because it is an opportunity for You to FLEX YOUR MUSCLES through me. I enter this day with a new perspective of challenges. I take pleasure in everything that comes my way! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
