Meditation

Read 2 Corinthians 12:6-10

[The Lord] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

—2 Corinthians 12:9 (NRSV)

One very hot day, my lawn mower was not cooperating, so I went into the house to rest. My two young daughters were visiting grandparents, and I was lonely and grieving my wife’s recent death from cancer. While I was walking through the carport, a gentle breeze blew through the wind chimes. For a brief moment, it was as though I was hearing the first few notes of an old hymn. I felt encouraged that I was not alone, that God’s Spirit and grace were with me.

I have often relearned the message of Paul’s experience with his “thorn in the flesh.” We do not know what his thorn was, but we do know that thorns bring pain. Three times Paul asked the Lord for the thorn to be removed, but the reply was: “My grace is sufficient for you.” I have learned the truth of Paul’s statement from my own life experiences. God’s grace is always sufficient. When we trust in God’s love for us, God brings unending blessings.

In life, sometimes “thorns” are removed and sometimes they remain. No matter what, through God’s love, we can endure the thorns and still rejoice in God’s amazing grace.

Prayer—Dear Father, help us to trust you as we experience the struggles of life and come to know that your grace is always sufficient. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thought for the Day—Even in the midst of tragedy and grief, God’s grace is sufficient for me.

—Stephen T. Johnson, North Carolina