“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Is God’s grace sufficient for you? It is a beautiful thought to think about our lives being guided and buoyed by the grace of God, but Paul reminds us of what that actually looks like. God’s grace is shown through His power being glorified through our weakness. In order for our lives to be grace-driven, we must be willing to be weak and vulnerable.
A grace-filled life looks like healthy problems and the patience to wait for God’s timing instead of our own. A grace-filled life looks like unimaginable loss and grief being shouldered by hurting people who trust in the hope of the resurrection when every tear will be wiped away and every broken heart mended. A grace-filled life looks like forgiveness when wronged, confession when we sin, and the humility reconciliation requires. A grace-filled life looks like weariness, struggles, and burdens being which we are too weak to bear alone and require us to lean on the power of God for gracious mending and to make whole what is forever torn without Him.
Is God’s grace sufficient for you? Do you have the faith to take that journey?
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision