Sufficient Grace and God's Presence

      “To keep me from becoming conceited… a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.  But he said to me ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…’  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (From 2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

      We are in another season in our church family where many people are suffering.  There are battles with cancer other dreaded diseases.  There are those who are facing struggles with mobility; from backs to bones to joints.  There are some who have undiagnosed pain and physical symptoms that the doctor can’t find a source for.  These provide us opportunity for discouragement and frustration.  Of course, I haven’t even mentioned those who are struggling with personal issues that are not of a physical nature.  I'm sure there are very similar situations that are in your closest circle of friends and acquaintances.  And beyond that; we are constantly watching tragedies in our nation brought on by tornadoes and floods that are devastating the lives of people.  Everywhere we turn there is struggle.

      I have a couple of words of encouragement for you.

      First, I want to remind you that you are not alone.  Even Paul, the great missionary statesman, struggled with fear and despair.  I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Corinthian believers about his affliction while he was in Asia.  He said that the team was “so utterly burdened beyond [their] strength that [they] despaired of life itself.” (2 Cor. 1:8)  Then there is the passage I quoted above.  Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” tormented him.  It was like a continual punch in the face.  You are in good company when you suffer.

      The second (and more important) word of encouragement is the answer that God gave Paul.  After all, “misery loves company” only goes so far, right?  God didn't take away Paul’s struggle.  He promised him His presence and His grace.  Jesus told His disciples that He would always be with them.  When life is difficult…even traumatic, we are driven to the one who has always offered His presence to us.  When we are facing that which is beyond our ability to endure, as Paul did, we begin to learn a new perspective on suffering.  Suffering itself isn't good, but the beneficial result of it in our lives can’t be adequately explained.

      Maybe we should write a new credit card commercial.  Trials and difficulties: painful.  Sickness and infirmity: dreadful.  Discouragement and Depression: heart wrenching.  The presence and grace of God: priceless.  This is not to minimize the struggles of life, but to magnify the grace of God.  He is allowing these circumstances in your life to draw you closer to Himself.  He is giving you the opportunity to experience His grace in your life in a way you have never imagined.  As I once read in a booklet from Radio Bible Class, “we cry out for complete answers, God offers Himself instead.”

      Pray for those around you who are struggling and suffering.  If you have opportunity to reach out with assistance to encourage them; do it.  If you are one who is in the middle of it right now; look to Jesus who offers you his presence.  And watch what God does in you and through you during this time and as a result of it.  He is with you and he offers you his grace and his presence…perhaps more now than at any other time.