GRACE FOR THE BATTLE
Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT)
Have you ever desired to be weak? I don’t know about you, but that is never something that I was coached to do as a child and especially as a man. But Paul says that his weakness is something worth bragging about! Thankfully, he clarifies and shares that this weakness allows God to work through Him. Paul’s suffering in this life leads to the strength of God being on display.
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 that our weaknesses are not barriers to victory but opportunities for God’s power to shine. When we admit our need and lean into His grace, God fills the gaps with His strength. The temptations we face, including the lust of the flesh, are no match for His grace.
Weakness is not failure. It’s an invitation to depend on the One who never fails. His power rests on us, equipping us to resist sin and walk in righteousness.
APPLICATION: What weakness are you aware of right now? Ask God how He wants to show His power through you. Commit to following His lead and His plan as He promises to work through this weakness.
PRAYER: Lord, Thank You! Your grace is all that I truly need. When I’m suffering or tempted, help me see how to resist or make it through to the other side. My life is in Your hands. Please help me to offer it, with all of its weaknesses, to you freely. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?