“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
The children of Israel spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness due to their disobedience and unbelief. Imagine the hopelessness they must have felt not knowing when this long journey would come to an end. Imagine the loneliness, fear, discouragement, frustration, the doubt, the anger and pain they must have felt.
Yet, the Bible says there was a remnant that escaped, who “found grace in the wilderness.” Jeremiah 31:2-3 (NIV) God, who went before them, protected and defended them from their enemies; gave them His holy law, and His statutes; fed them with manna and quails; gave them water to drink; and supplied them with everything necessary for them to survive the journey to the promised land. Even with God supplying their needs they murmured and complained. Rebelling against God. Psalm 78:15-28 (NIV)
Life is filled with “wilderness” experiences. Wilderness times can be very stressful, but, there is grace for you in the wilderness. There are good days and not so good days. There are days you can see beyond the wilderness and days you feel a hopelessness that causes you to feel inadequate, but God says ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
We find sufficient grace in the wilderness. Sufficient grace means more than enough or adequate grace to meet the present need. God supplies us with as much grace as we need for every situation we face. It’s like manna from Heaven. We find sufficient grace for facing illness or financial need; grace for dealing with rebellious children or aging parents; and grace for our lack of wisdom.
Whatever our need, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s grace is sufficient for everything we lack and everything lacking in us. Like the Apostle Paul we learn to experience God’s through our weaknesses.
James 4:6 says, God shows favor to those who are humble during difficult times. “But he gives us more grace.” That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
Hebrews 3:8 warns us “do no harden your hearts” as the Israelites did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness. In the midst of our wilderness experiences we can find comfort in the grace of God, encouragement in His everlasting love and hope in His promises.
Jesus says to to all of us today, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.”
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Blessings,
Dr. Francine
Note: All Scriptures are taken from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
BEYOND CHURCH WALLS 