The Grace We Live By

“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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) 

Many of us who have suffered chronic illnesses for years are familiar with the verse above, but I wonder if we fully consider the implications of depending upon the grace of God in our weaknesses? 

None of us want to be weak, but chronic afflictions can leave us very weak, and in that weakness the power and grace of God are essential for us to live as witnesses of God’s goodness. Indeed, to thrive at all in the midst of weakness we desperately need God’s grace and power. 

Long periods of illness can wear away our ability to live godly lives. Many times, I have lived in “survival mode” just trying to get through the day. Yet there have been days when I have been amazed at how God has helped me to thrive even in the midst of my affliction. So often I think: That was God. 

God can take our weaknesses and turn them into strengths. That seems paradoxical and it is. God often works in strange ways to accomplish His purpose in our lives. It is our job to call upon Him for aid in our  weaknesses. 

We have different weaknesses but we need the same God and the same grace every day to endure and overcome and succeed in spite of our weaknesses. We can do so only in the power and grace of God. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, we are weak and in need of Your help, send us grace and strength for the weakness in our lives. Amen. 

Karlton Douglas 

Copyright 2017