My grace is sufficient for you, for my power (strength) is made perfect in weakness. (II Corinthians 12:9)
“Your grace is enough….Your grace is enough….Your grace is enough for me!”
These are the words we frequently love to sing as we all choral together with fellow believers in Christ each week at our churches. But while we are lifting up Holy hands and singing praises to our God, how many of us truly know the level of grace we actually have with knowing our heavenly Father, especially in times of trouble?
Grace is the favor and loving-kindness that our Father shows to His own, not from our own merit, but because we have been redeemed through Christ Jesus. Because of His love for us, He continually gives this grace, not only when we sin and approach Him in forgiveness, but when we need His protection, provision, and healing power.
How many times have you been within seconds of a major life-altering dilemma that could have truly taken you out, but because of God’s grace, you lived to tell about it? An auto collision happens before your very eyes that could have been you…in the knick of time, money comes in the mail that can now be used to keep your car from being repossessed …doctors who once told you that the tumors you have in your body could not be healed, have now looked and can’t find anything moments before they draw the first incision. God’s grace is enough! Not only is it enough, but it is sufficient during any major storm in your life. You don’t need anything else but God’s grace because that’s the only thing that will stand strong in your time of need.
During times like these, you may feel like you can’t go on. You have more bills than money, and it seems that once you get out of one situation, you wind up in another, leaving you shaking your head in despair. But it’s during these trying moments that the power of God is at its best. Hallelujah! God’s mighty hand picks you up and makes you strong when you should have lost your mind. You see, when you put your trust in Him, and cast your care upon Him (1 Peter 5:7), he will make the situations and people around you who meant to do you harm of no effect!
I have a friend of mine that months ago lost her job and ultimately lost her home, all with a husband who was disabled and two kids to have to feed and clothe. No one seemed to show her remorse. For three months, her and her family went from hotel to hotel, all with just the little money her husband received every month for his disability. But she believed that the grace of God would sustain her. After seeking God about her matter, one day she ran into a friend who was truly sent just for her situation. This person knew somebody who in turn also knew somebody that was a mortgage attorney. All in all, she was able to not only get her home back, but eliminate all of the back payments she would have had to pay, lowered her monthly payments and interest rate, and have a little extra money to put aside for her next holiday for the kids. God knows how to turn any situation around if you would only trust that during your time of weakness, God will strengthen you in the battle!
Selah—(Think on These Things)
• When have you been in a situation where you felt all hope was lost? How did you react to it? In fear? Doubt? Anger? Worry?
• As you look back, what could you do differently now to show God your level of faith in Him?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you that when we are at our lowest, your grace supports us and keeps us from utter destruction. We know that as we call on you, you will answer, and show forth your mighty hand to protect and shield us from all harm. We never have to fear the unknown because your grace is sufficient of the day. We can rest assure of your presence and peace upon our lives. Every battle is won and the victory is already ours! In Jesus Name, Amen.
Copyright 2011: All Rights Reserved. (From the upcoming book, 'There's Hope for the Weary: God's Promises for Life's Greatest Storms'-By Lily L. Ratliff-Jenkins).
