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. 2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV
Have you ever had a time in your life when you just didn’t feel like you knew enough, had enough, or were enough for what God or someone else wanted or needed you to do? Have you ever questioned your abilities because of some past failure or because of a lack of formal education? Have you ever felt that because you didn’t have the same credentials or the same resources as someone else you didn’t have what it took to go after a promotion or other advancement in life? Have you ever given up on a dream because you question your ability to pursue the dream? Have you ever just not felt good enough or some other variation of this?
If you have, then you are in good company. You are not alone. If you are human, you probably have had at least one moment of self-doubt, even if it is a small one. Feeling insufficient is part of what it means to be a human being. It keeps us from relying upon ourselves to the point of blocking God out of our lives or forgetting who gave us these lives in the first place.
Paul had many of these moments. Even though he said that God put this “thorn” in his side to keep him humble, for us perhaps it’s not because we have an arrogance problem. Perhaps, it is just because the enemy wants to keep us from believing in the sufficiency of God’s grace.
Whether because of pride or fear, we cannot stop believing that God’s grace is sufficient for us. Our humanity (our failings and frailties) is the canvas upon which God can paint a beautiful portrait of God’s grace. We simply need to trust God and trust in the sufficiency of God’s grace.
So, the next time the enemy tries to keep you from trusting in God’s grace, hold up the portrait of your life and show him all the times in the past when God’s grace was sufficient for you.
Prompt for Thought: Where have you felt God’s grace in times past? Where do you need to feel God’s grace right now in your life? Take it to God in prayer.
Prayer for the Journey: God, we thank you for always showing us your love, mercy, and GRACE. We know that we don’t deserve it and we know that we can never earn it. We thank you that despite the thorns in our sides, you shower us with your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.