Paul wrote about asking the Lord three times to remove a messenger of Satan who was harassing him and told us what the Lord replied:
2 Corinthians 12:9,
9 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, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
In Greek — ‘grace’ means kindness or favor freely extended — ‘sufficient’ means to assist, suffice — ‘power’ means (miraculous) power, might, strength — ‘perfect’ means to bring an end to, to complete, perfect.
From these definitions, we learn the Lord shows His kindness and favor towards us and assists us in our weaknesses. As we lean on Him and trust Him, His power brings an end to our fear of failure so that we may remain faithful and hopeful. He uses our weakest moments to strengthen, complete, and perfect us. Thus, His grace is sufficient, for His power is perfected in our weakness.
This is especially evident when He provides the way of escape from every temptation we face (1 Corinthians 10:13). While we struggle to endure the trials of faith and to rest in Him, His lovingkindness takes over and lifts us out of despair, as it is written in 1 Peter 5:6-10,
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
For this reason, Jesus said,
“Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray then, in this way:
“Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name.
“Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
“Give us this day our daily bread.
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
“For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”
What a loving and wonderful God we serve!
In the most holy name of Jesus,
Jon David Banks, God’s most unworthy servant
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org
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