Tuesday, July 30, 2013

"My grace is sufficient for you ..."

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

  To admit a struggle we might be dealing with in our relationships, career or our finances is difficult.  To share with another our inner thoughts about disappointment, discouragement or depression over a myriad of possible issues is frightening to most people. To show our vulnerability in coping with familial, age or health concerns often seems like a step too far for our shaking feet to travel. 

     We often pull back, when we should go to others for help.  We often remain stoic, when we should be expressive.  We often are quiet, when we should share and we often cover our face and our problems with a mask when tears are in our eyes.

     Many times this happens because we feel like we need to show strength or other character traits instead of showing what could be interpreted as a sign of weakness. The truth is that we can be experience weakness as we are overwhelmed by overwhelming circumstances or situations.  It is not weakness to be depressed or discouraged when there is sadness or problems in our lives.  You are not a bad person if you are facing things and are struggling a bit.

     How can a weakness become strength? How is it that, something that we struggle with, can be used by Satan to condemn us and by God to strengthen us? It doesn't really make sense but it is not only a truth but a promise.

    We must stand in the truth that good can come out of our weaknesses. Honesty rings out when we admit our needs.  Relationships are strengthened by awareness, concern and responding to needs. Appealing to a friend,our spouse or a family member when we need help ... elicits insight, comfort, experience and support, all of which are helpful in times of need.

     Most of all, we need the grace of Jesus Christ. His grace is sufficient for all we face.  Living by His grace, asking for His strength and letting that grace come unto us, often through other people who love us, changes our weakness into strength simply because the change doesn't come by our efforts … it comes by His grace.

Suggested Bible Reading 2 Corinthians 12


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