“He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ . . . 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” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Do you ever feel weak? Insufficient?
In Acts 4 there's an amazing story about Peter and John healing a crippled beggar and speaking boldly to the religious authorities who questioned them. Verse 13 is worth reading: "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."
These were the same men who earlier, with Jesus, had disowned Him multiple times, feared for their lives on the boat, and immaturely asked to sit beside Him in glory! They were just like us--full of inconsistencies and failures. But it was because they were weak and uneducated that Jesus got all the credit in this story. It had to have been by God's power that these men acted and talked with confidence. They certainly hadn't been that way before.
In this cheery Christmas season, you may or may not be reflecting on your limitations. But maybe you should. Take Paul's example. Paul said he delighted in his hardships and difficulties--because God's grace made him strong. And when you are feeling little--like you don't have the strength to get through the day--take heart. God's grace is sufficient for you. He promises us that. And it's when you are at your weakest that you'll best recognize Who is giving you the endurance to get through.
Feeling weak? Insufficient? Let God's strength shine through you.
Chansin Bird, a college student, has been a member of First Baptist Nashville for over a year and has served the church as a student ministry intern. This is her last month here as she graduates from Belmont University with a degree in Biblical Studies and moves to Texas to get married and attend seminary.
The audio version of today's devotional was recorded by Margi Hawkins.
