Grace, Part II

Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me - to keep me from exalting myself!

Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Here is another meaning of 'grace.' It is used in this verse as 'divine enablement.' First meaning is unmerited favor, second meaning is divine enablement.

The Apostle Paul, called an 'apostle to the Gentiles' was privileged by Jesus to be given revelation that only He could give, for Jesus has a plan and a purpose for his life. And as a result of the surpassing greatness of the revelations given to him, he experienced a particular weakness in his body. Many are saying that this weakness was 'eyesight' because when he first got saved; his encounter with Jesus has blinded him. Then after three days, God sent a man to pray over him and got his sight restored. From then on he boldly proclaimed the Gospel all throughout the known world then.

When Paul spoke to him about this weakness, Jesus' reply was 'My grace [divine enablement] is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' It means Jesus gives us the ability to cope up with any situation in our lives so that He must increase [be glorified] while we must decrease [humble] our self. Letting go of our own way ... even honest and good prayer. God definitely heals; definitely answers prayer but it will always be given to us in line with His will and not our will. Apostle Paul testified 'Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for CHRIST'S SAKE, for when I am weak, then I am strong.' All of his experiences are related to magnifying the name of Jesus Christ alone and no one else.

His testimony is still noteworthy today since our day and age now is exactly the opposite. Many people would rather have an upper hand on any situation. They would not allow others to trample over their rights, privileges, no consideration for others; all they think is themselves. Happy will we be if we abide by what God's word say and not what others say or what we say. His Word stands forever!

Have a God-filled weekend with family and include the Lord in social interaction with others!