May 15, 2020
Brothers and Sisters,
As we complete our week of morning devotions studying the thought of “GRACE”, I am drawn to that famous statement made by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians, “My grace is sufficient for thee”.
(2 Corinthians 12:7) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
(2 Corinthians 12:8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
(2 Corinthians 12:9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
(2 Corinthians 12:10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
I’m sure you have heard through preaching and Bible study how that Paul had some sort of thorn in the flesh. Many have tried to guess what Paul was referring to here. Some have said that he had bad eyesight while others have suggested that he walked stooped over. Perhaps you have heard of other possible causes for this thorn in the flesh. Evidently, God didn’t see that it was important that any of us know, so I’m just going to leave it at that. However, the scripture does say that this thorn was the messenger of Satan to buffet Paul, lest he should be exalted above measure. So, evidently this thorn was keeping Paul from being built up in pride and we know what a problem God sees when we have a proud look. This is on God’s hate list.
(Proverbs 6:16-19) These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Paul said that he besought the Lord thrice, that this thorn might depart from him. He prayed at least 3 times for this thorn in the flesh to be removed, but God didn’t choose to remove it. However, God did assure Paul that His grace is sufficient.
How many times have we had to rely on this precious promise that God’s grace is sufficient? No matter our circumstance or problem we can depend on the truth of the Word of God that His grace is sufficient for whatever our need. So, whatever the need or problem you are facing this day (and we all have something), rest assured that God’s grace will be there to see you through.
I want to close today with the words of this precious old song: “Grace Greater Than All Our Sin”.
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Assured of His Grace,
Bro. Rick
