His grace is sufficient

His Grace is Sufficient
Is there a thorn in your side? Is there something you wrestle with from time to time, or maybe even daily? I believe most of us thought the Christian life would be easier and more comfortable than it often is. There are many who come into the family of faith, thinking the Lord will fix all their problems and devote Himself to their happiness and comfort. That, however, is not the reality that is portrayed in Scripture. The Apostle Paul was a man who the Lord loved and used significantly, yet his life was far from easy. In fact, at one point, Paul thought his pain was too much to bear and he pleaded with God to remove it. Friends, there’s nothing wrong with asking the Lord to relieve our pain and suffering, but what should our response be if He doesn’t? Paul likely had no idea that His pleading with God over his personal afflictions would find its way into the Bible, to comfort and guide believers throughout the ages. The same words that God provided to Paul apply to many of us in these trying days: “My grace is sufficient for you”.
Friends, God’s grace could simply be defined as His provision for us at the point of our greatest need. The problem is, sometimes, it doesn’t seem like the Lord is meeting that need. But the truth is, the Lord can see all the deficiencies, outcomes, and complications that we are unable to see. His goal is always our spiritual growth, He desires for us to be more conformed to Christ-likeness. The trials, hardships, and challenges of this life play a vital role in achieving that spiritual growth. The important result revealed in life’s many challenges is how we respond to them. If all we desire is solace we could easily digress into anger and doubt. But if we desire to become the person God wants us to be, we must see our trials as opportunities for Christ to display His character and strength in us. Friends, we must trust in the Lord and always know his desire is to strengthen us through our weakness and make us more Christ-like so we can comfort others!
Onward and Upward!
Fr. Greg+

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