It IS

“He said to me, ‘My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Cor. 12:9 (CEB)

This is the response given to Paul after he had asked, even pleaded with the Lord three times to be relieved of his “thorn in his body” (CEB). We are never told what that affliction of Paul’s is, so my opinion is that it isn’t overly important for us to know. What we do see, though, in Christ’s answer to Paul is that His grace is sufficient for Paul – did you catch that? IS enough, now, in the moment – not will be. How often do we consider that fact? I had not, and I think that’s why God pointed it out to me during my study this morning.

There are three verb tenses in the English language, past, present and future. Is is the present tense and means right now, not a moment in the past nor a moment into the future..NOW! Pay attention also that we are not told that we must ask Him to make His grace enough, it already is!

How amazing is it to think that given any circumstance, anywhere, anytime Jesus’ grace is all we need? John’s gospel says it this way, “From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” (1:16 CEB) I can imagine the conversation between Jesus and Paul going something like this:

Paul: Gee whiz Jesus, you are the Son of God, can’t you relieve me of this problem?

Jesus: I could Paul, because I Am who you say I am. That is not the Father’s will, but let me assure you that MY grace is all you need. All you will need, now and forever.

Paul’s want was that the “thorn” be removed, but God answered and gave him what he needed. This continues to be God’s answer to His children in our sufferings and trials today. What could be better than having a relationship, the companionship of Jesus Christ within us?

Paul goes on to say this in that passage, “Therefore, I’m all right with weaknesses, insults, disasters, harassments, and stressful situations for the sake of Christ, because when I’m weak, then I’m strong!” (vs 10 CEB)

I could not quite bring this devotion to a proper close - so I reached out to my friend Kathy Crouch for a closing poem. She said the Lord led her in another direction, so here is her prayer to bring today's devotion to a close:

Dear God,

You are the beginning, the end, and everything in between.

Thank you for the cross; for your Son, who died there for us.

Thank you that He defeated death. He is alive and well,

seated at your right-hand, interceding for us when we pray.

Although we are weak, that is where Your strength lies.

We, like Paul, are servants and nothing more. When we are

weak, we are strong, and can do all things through your Son

who strengthens us. Your grace is indeed sufficient and all

that we need. We thank You and praise You today and always.

Amen