The Meaning of God’s Grace Is Sufficient
People wonder about the meaning of God’s grace is sufficient when trials hit. They know they aren’t up to a certain task and depend on their faith and God to see them through. This verse in 2 Corinthians 12:9 also helps them.
My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ dwells in me.
I also like the Living Bible translation of 2 Corinthians 12:9, “I am with you; that is all you need.”
Paul’s life comes to mind when I think about grace. He lists a few of his sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28.
Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times beaten with rods, once pelted with stones, three times shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. In danger from rivers, bandits, my fellow Jews, from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, at sea; and in danger from false believers. I labored, toiled and often gone without sleep; known hunger and thirst and often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
Paul Discovered the Meaning of God’s Grace Is Sufficient
Maybe your life never measures up to holiness (opposite of profane). Apostle Paul, a servant of Christ, could boast about sufferings. He knew God perfected his weaknesses to demonstrate the power of Jesus inside him.
In the 21st century, a Christian has a different suffering list. Even though executions of Christians occur in some countries, most of us don’t face physical death for our faith. However, what happens every day on earth does affect us. These examples of sufficient grace represent how Christians forget their position as believers and God’s compassion for them.
- Christ becomes of no effect (no longer treasured) because Christians cave to the world’s ways. Example: Tolerating same-sex unions, maintaining a blind eye to abortion or denying that human trafficking exists because you aren’t personally affected.
- Defilement against God happens because you live in a social media world. Example: Bitterness expressed by other people turns your heart, mind, and spirit against God.
- Discernment slips when worshipping. Example: You continue to consort with churches that no longer preach the Gospel’s salvation message. Some are entertainment centers allowing new age concepts to mold congregants rather than nurture personal relationships with the triune God. Here’s a startling truth. Proverbs 21:16 – A man who wanders from the way of understanding (godly wisdom) will remain in the assembly of the dead.
- Law consciousness takes the place of grace. Galatians 5:4 – You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For instance, the Pharisees couldn’t receive anything from Jesus.
Further Examples of the Meaning of God’s Grace Is Sufficient
False hope comes to us through substitutions Satan dangles as bait to take the place of God. Everything the enemy does is meant to discredit God’s total work—the giving of Jesus for sins and eternal life. That’s why unbelievers continue to disbelieve.
2 Corinthians 4:4
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
He uses the same tactics on Christians so they get off course and forget how much God loves them. If we follow the Holy Spirit and learn to hear from heaven, God shakes us free from Satan’s entanglements.
Hebrews 12:25-29
See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.
God’s Grace is Sufficient for Everything
What in your life needs to fall away so that all that’s left is the kingdom of God?
I’ll go first.
I seek approval from others. I want people to accept me when I write something that jars religious teaching. God may drop something in my spirit He wants others to hear to shake them free from religion. Most times they get in a huff when what I point out is something God already told them.
How about you? How is God speaking grace from heaven to rock your spiritual boat that’s about to go under? What in your life makes Christ less attractive? Maybe your computer, selfies, money, career, health concerns, or sex lure you away from Christ.
Whatever it is—that weakness that makes you powerless—is what God wants to shake free.
Final Thoughts about My Grace Is Sufficient
Life goes wrong a lot of the time. It’s full of disorder—broken relationships, sin-filled workplaces, tsunamis, floods, hurricanes, and diseases. I wonder how God can stomach what goes on down here that He didn’t cause. Though it all, there’s a way to exalt Christ amidst a sea of weaknesses.
- Recognize what in your life you can’t overcome. Then give it to God. Ask Him for help and for His power to rest on you.
- Hold your weaknesses up to the light of God’s truth to gain new spiritual understandings.
- Draw near to God’s throne. Hebrews 4:15-16 – For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
- Be satisfied with God. Feel his sustaining power with every task you face and complete. “But by the grace of God, I am what I am.”
I Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
I Peter 4:11 – If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
God tells us to lean on His grace when we aren’t enough and life goes sideways.