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“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this. But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (TPT)
Paul was a great man of God. But Paul had something that was bothering him. It bothered Paul so much that he prayed three times for a “thorn in the flesh” to be removed. Jesus’s response: “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” Paul concludes, “So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.”
Said a different way: because of my weakness, God can vividly display His divine power. As with Paul, His grace supplies more than we need to endure whatever it is that threatens us. His grace is more sufficient than your strength. His grace is sufficient to carry you through whatever your own unique “thorn” may be. When Paul surrendered, God could shine brightly through him— which wouldn’t be seen when he relied on himself. But with all that is going on today, how do we do a good job at letting Jesus take over when we are weak. How do we find rest during the COVID-19 pandemic?
During this pandemic, many us of us deal with the daily temptation to put our faith in hand sanitizer and public policy rather than in God. With all that is going on in the world and in our individual lives, is there a place to turn for rest and stability? These are days when we need to rest in God, the one constant. “Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one!” (Isaiah 44:8) God is always there. He can be counted on. God can give us peace of mind through Him, setting our hearts securely at rest. Remember Jesus’ words: “My grace is always more than enough for you.” Jesus’ favor, or blessing, for me is undeserved and enough to get me through anything. And more, when I am weak, His power rests on me and I can rest in Him.
One truth we’ve seen proven over and over as we trust God through hard times: God is faithful. He has provided and will continue to provide for us in difficult times. But the good news is this: when we are weak, He pours His strength into us, which gives an entirely new perspective on pain and suffering, hardship, and pressure. Those stresses and strains drive us to our knees. It’s at that point our God comes through, takes us by the hand, and by His grace lifts us up.
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to you to find rest in God?
- What can we do this week to find rest in God during these uncertain times?