Our Father's Grace And Strength

As we come to the conclusion of a most, raw, open and tell-it-as-it-is week, all of us will have responses which fit into two categories or two classes of disciples.

Category One

We will be disciples who will hear and say aloud or silently, in our hearts, that we are only human and such sayings are too much for us. We will be exactly like the disciples who, on hearing the words of Jesus, said, This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it? John 6: 60b. They no longer followed Jesus because what He expected of His disciples, they saw as unreasonable and humanly impossible, for they were only human.

Category Two

We will be disciples who will hear and say aloud or silently, in our hearts, that we are only human and such sayings are just right for us. We will be exactly like Simon Peter who spoke for the Twelve. On hearing the words of Jesus, he said, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God. John 6: 68b – 69. It is because they were only human that they stuck to the One who was not only human; the One who could make their impossible, possible.

In conclusion, we return to Paul, whose human weakness was wearing him down. Having gone to his Lord, he receives this answer to his prayer. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12: 9a.

It is precisely because Paul is only human that he accepts his Lord’s response. There are no additions to and no subtractions from it. The thorn in his flesh, his menacing, human weakness, remains intact, but O how the grace of God proved sufficient for him and the power of God has given unbelievable manifestations in his human weakness. This changed his thorn-in-the-flesh life so drastically that even though the messenger of Satan, which had come to torment him, was not removed, Paul declared in lip and life this boast. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12: 9b.

Are you boasting about your weaknesses or bemoaning them?

Is the Strength of God plainly seen in your human weakness?

Remember, the darker the night, the brighter the light shines.

As you accept God’s Word so will it be done to you.

Amen!