“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
When I hear “grace,” I immediately think of “love in action.” This love in action may take several forms. It may be showing empathy and support to someone, offering forgiveness to a person who has wronged you, or buying coffee for a total stranger. Whenever we show kindness and make the world a better place, we are demonstrating grace.
Today’s verse discusses God’s love in action for us. In the prior verse, the Apostle Paul describes his suffering from some unspecified ailment. He prayed to God three times for healing and, upon not being healed, concluded this was God’s way of keeping him humble. Sometimes, when we pray, we may not receive the answer we desire—God answers with yes, no, or not now. Whatever answer we receive—for we will receive an answer—it doesn’t mean God’s love in action has abandoned us. Rather, it means God has chosen another, more purposeful way to extend His grace. He not only cares for our weaknesses but also transforms them. Our thorns can become stories of His goodness and faithfulness as He brings healing, growth, and renewal.
In a world that values strength, it’s challenging for us to associate weakness with power. We are encouraged to trust and rely only on our own abilities. But when we recognize our weaknesses and surrender our pride and self-sufficiency to God, we begin to see His love in action. It's His perfect plan unfolding in our lives. Knowing that we are made perfect in God's strength brings us comfort and encouragement. It reassures us that we don't have to face our challenges alone and that His grace is always enough to carry us through.
As we navigate life's challenges, may we remember that God's divine grace is always at work, even in our moments of weakness. His love in action is ever-present, guiding us, supporting us, and transforming us. We can find strength in knowing that His power is made perfect in our weaknesses and that His grace is truly sufficient.
Father of all grace, we thank You for Your boundless grace and love. Help us recognize Your hand in our lives, especially in our moments of weakness. Teach us to humble ourselves, rely on Your strength, and trust in Your perfect plan. May Your grace transform our hearts and guide our actions so that we can reflect Your love to those around us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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