2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - Gods Amazing Grace.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV) 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. 10
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in
weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions,
in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am
strong.
INTRODUCTION
We must rely on God for our effectiveness
rather than simply on our own energy, effort, or
talent When we are strong in abilities or
resources, we are tempted to do God's work on our own,
and that can lead to pride. When we are weak,
allowing God to fill us with 'his' power, then we are
stronger than we could ever be on our own we must
depend on God. Only his power will make us
effective for him and will help us do work that has
lasting value. [Life Application SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
The trail bisected a cool, dark section
of forest. The scent of loamy soil and spicy
cedar mingled with the fragrance of the evergreens
to create a lovely perfume. Just ahead, the
trees opened to a small meadow, a natural
cathedral of sorts. At the base of one of the stately
trees, I spotted a solitary wildflower, its leaves
spread wide, its white petals open to the sun.
That evening as I settled into bed, my
mind replayed all the beauty I'd encountered on
the hike. My thoughts returned again and again
to that petite flower. How could something so
small have such an impact? Shouldn't the deep
woods have dominated my attention instead? Yet,
the very vulnerability of that blossom somehow
multiplied the forest's magnificence.
I sensed my resemblance to that tiny
bloom resting safe at the foot of the giant fir.
Living my life in the shadow of Jesus's protection
and love, I can lift others' spirits. In a world
that can sometimes seem dark, I will spread joy
and hope. Even those times when I feel afraid,
or small, or weak.
Jesus is always with me. I feel His
strength. As I stretch myself to fit His will, I
remember that with Him, anything is possible (Matthew
19:26), no matter how small I am. Heidi Gaul
Faith Step: Find a single flower or other
small object and keep it near the place you spend
your mornings with Jesus. Let it remind you that
no matter how small you feel, Jesus is always
with you. Spend a few minutes reflecting on the
impact something so tiny can make in this world.
[Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and
Zondervan]
COMMENTARY
Pavement for His Feet
The apostle Paul, who had the incredible
experience of being caught up into Heaven and seeing
things that he couldnt even describe, said that
he was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger
of Satan to torment him.
Three times he asked God to take it away.
But here was Gods response: My grace is
all you need. My power works best in
weakness.
Paul then concluded, So now I am glad
to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power
of Christ can work through me (2 Corinthians
12:9 NLT).
Trials are part of the Christian life.
Jesus said, I have told you all this so that
you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will
have many trials and sorrows. But take heart,
because I have overcome the world (John 16:33
NLT).
Of course, we all cringe when we come to
the mouth of some long valley that seems to loom
endlessly before us. Yet it is during hardships that
we can experience Gods presence and power in
a unique and special way. God will reveal
Himself in the valleys, in the difficulties of
life.
On one occasion when Jesus sent the
disciples across the Sea of Galilee, a horrendous
storm whipped up. They were afraid the waves would
overtake them and drown them. It was so bad that they
despaired of life. Then suddenly they saw Jesus
walking to them on the water.
Commenting on this story, the great Bible
teacher G. Campbell Morgan said, He is coming
over the very waves you are most afraid of. The
very waves that threaten to buffet and break you
to pieces are the pavement for His blessed
feet.
Sometimes the very things we fear the
most are the tools that God will use in our lives
to bring us closer to Him. [Greg Laurie from
Harvest Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com]
Peace On Earth
Every generation witnesses terrifying
world events. The twenty-first century was
inaugurated with the horrific 9/11 tragedy that set the
whole world on edge. Today nations are in turmoil
as governments struggle with how to defeat
global terrorism. People are frantic, searching for
solutions.
There is only one solution, and it is
found in the righteous ruler; the Man of peace.
Jesus holds the key to man's problems, which are
bound up in one little word - sin.
I have talked with people from all walks
of life about how they deal with their fears.
Some turn to alcohol; others turn to mystic
religions and amusement. I say to them, "Come to
Christ; He will overcome your fears. He will
strengthen you to stand strong in the face of trials
and disappointments." In the midst of
cataclysmic events, there is peace that passes
understanding.
People think they want peace in the
world, but what they really need is peace in their
hearts. If that happened, there would be peace in
the world as well.
What is the only hope for peace on earth?
[Peace for Each Day by Billy Graham]
CLOSING PEARL
If you will seek the Lord and be converted
every day; if you will of your own spiritual
choice be free and joyous in God; if with gladsome
consent of heart to His gracious call you come
wearing the yoke of Christ, - the yoke of obedience
and service, - all your murmurings will be
stilled, all your difficulties will be removed, all
the perplexing problems that now confront you
will be solved. MB101
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - Gods Amazing Grace.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230712-0922.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230224-0832.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/
