Grace enough

“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 12:9 (KJV)

What does this mean?

Paul has been asking God to take away something painful in his life, he calls it a thorn in the flesh, though the letter never says exactly what it was. After asking three times, God answers that his grace is enough for Paul, and that his strength shows up most clearly in weakness. So Paul says he will boast about his weaknesses, because that is where Christ's power rests on him.

What does this teach us?

God's answer is not always removal. Sometimes his answer is presence, grace that is enough for today, and strength that shows up precisely where you are weakest, not where you are strongest.

How can we apply this?

Instead of asking God once more to take the hard thing away, try asking him what his grace looks like inside it. Then take one step today that you can only take with his strength, and let that be the proof that his grace is enough.

Related KJV passages

“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.”
2 Corinthians 12:10
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13
“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.”
Isaiah 40:29

Reflection

What weakness in your life might be the very place where Christ's power wants to rest?

Prayer

Lord, I have asked you to take this away and it is still here. Show me that your grace is enough for today, and let your strength rest on me in my weakness. Amen.