The Sufficiency of God's Grace
2 Corinthians 12:9
But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [a]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [b]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! Amplified Bible, Classic Ed.
It was the summer of 2005, a time meant for joy and family adventures. My wife Elaine and I, along with our three children, my five-year-old brother Joseph visiting from New York, and a young boy from our church, embarked on a trip to the Crazy Horse Monument and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Our journey also included a stop at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN, to enjoy its famed amusement park.
The amusement park buzzed with excitement, and we encouraged the children
to have fun. I gave my oldest daughter the responsibility of keeping a watchful
eye on little Joseph. My mother had taught my sisters and me about the
sufficiency of God’s grace, a lesson that would soon be tested.
Joseph, whom my mother adopted even though was born with fetal alcohol
syndrome, while she was overcoming cancer, was a special child. As the older
kids enjoyed the rides, they soon realized that Joseph was too small to join
them in a particular attraction. Instead of bringing him back to us, they told
him to wait at the gate.
Moments later, my children came running to me with panic in their eyes.
"Daddy, we lost Joseph." My heart sank. Fear, worry, and anger surged
within me. What would I tell my sister who had guardianship over Joseph? I had
lost my brother in the largest mall in America.
With dread in my heart, I began to walk through the mall, scanning the
crowded expanse for any sign of Joseph. It felt as if God was guiding me by the
hand. Amidst the chaos, I was drawn to an arcade. There, sitting in a race car,
lost in a game, was my little brother Joseph, blissfully unaware of the panic
he had caused.
Despite the fear and worry that had consumed me, God's grace proved
sufficient for all of us. This experience taught us a profound lesson about the
enduring and encompassing nature of God's grace. Even in our moments of failure
and fear, His grace provides guidance, protection, and reassurance.
God's grace, as defined by theologian John Wesley, encompasses
prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace. It is an undeserved favor,
freely given and covering all stages of the Christian journey. Paul writes in 2
Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness." This statement underscores the adequacy and power of
divine grace, especially in times of struggle and weakness.
In our lives, we encounter God's grace powerfully in our struggles and
weaknesses. Recognizing our limitations allows us to experience His strength
and resilience. In our relationships, grace nurtures forgiveness, patience, and
compassion, reflecting God's love. Life's unpredictable challenges test our
faith, but God's grace supports us, enabling us to endure and overcome with
hope and strength.
The good news in God’s message of hope, deliverance, and victory is
clear: His grace makes us resilient, providing strength in our times of
weakness and sustaining us through challenges. God's promise of sufficient
grace helps us endure hardships, offering hope and strength beyond our
abilities. Living with confidence in God's grace assures us that it is enough
for every situation, bringing peace and contentment by meeting our needs and
reducing anxiety.
Within a community, believers are encouraged to support one another,
uplifted by the assurance of God's grace. Understanding the sufficiency of
God's grace empowers believers to serve others, trusting that God equips and
sustains them in their efforts.
Hymns and poems beautifully express the theme of God's grace as an
all-sufficient force. "Amazing Grace" by John Newton, "Great Is
Thy Faithfulness" by Thomas Chisholm, "Grace Greater Than Our
Sin" by Julia H. Johnston, and "His Grace is Sufficient" by
Annie Johnson Flint, all articulate a comprehensive view of God's grace as
all-encompassing and ever-sufficient. They emphasize that in every
situation—whether salvation, daily provision, enduring trials, seeking comfort,
or the assurance of forgiveness—grace is abundantly more than enough.
These hymns and poems provide profound reassurance and encouragement,
reinforcing the belief that God's grace is the bedrock of the Christian faith,
offering perpetual strength, comfort, and redemption. With this faith, let us
approach the Master, confident in His ability to bring healing and
transformation to every area of our lives.
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