2-21-2017

Good Morning All,

               2 Corinthians 12:9; “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

    “That’s enough!”  I used to hear that a lot.  It seemed to be heard most often at dessert.  I remember thinking, “how is it possible that you ever have enough dessert?”  I would start scooping the ice cream and pretty soon, “That’s enough.”  Try to cut a piece of cake and “That’s enough.”  Maybe you heard the same thing or maybe not.  I never heard it when the vegetables went around.  Yet we hear that phrase often.  That is enough time in the shower; that is enough time on the computer; that is enough time on the phone; that is enough high fat foods.

    We usually see “enough” as a limit to our options.  When we receive a sufficient amount, we tend to think “is that it?”  Well it is sufficient but not excessive and we like excessive.  So how do we face the world, do we want a sufficient amount or do we want an excessive amount?  Maybe the answer isn’t sufficient or excessive; maybe the answer is the proper amount.  So instead of thinking of sufficient versus excessive we should think of sufficient as the proper or the appropriate amount. 

    Here the word sufficient is not an adequate amount; rather it means to be possessed of unfailing strength.  So this really means to possess such a large quantity that it can never be used up.  It is like taking 1000 pairs of socks for an overnight trip; you are not going to need 1000 pairs of socks so 1000 pairs of socks would be sufficient.  You won’t need more.  This is how we should view God’s grace in our life; we will never need more than we have.  On top of this, there is nothing more powerful than God’s grace.

    So when Paul reveals that God’s grace is sufficient for him, it is not at the minimum requirement; rather, it is beyond any demand that Paul can ever place against it.  The same is true for us.  God’s grace exceeds our needs; no matter what we face God’s grace is sufficient.  No struggle, no crisis in our life, no fear that may rear its ugly head will exceed God’s grace.  Whenever we struggle, God’s grace is sufficient.  It will always exceed the need.   God’s grace will always carry us through.  We always have his promise to bring us into the safety of his mercy.  We live in his loving embrace and no pain, no struggle, no sorrow or fear will ever be able to overtake God’s grace for you.  His grace will always exceed your need; his grace is sufficient for you.

Father in heaven, the many struggles of this world often feels like they will overwhelm me.  Yet I know that your grace is always sufficient for me.  Even through the darkness, I see the light of your love.  Sustain in all trials and keep me safe.  Be with those who are battling their own struggles at this time.  Give them the encouragement to withstand the devil and his attacks.  Give them eyes to see your grace, ears to hear your words of comfort and enliven their spirit to always know your mercy.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret