Young People's Group

MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU

by Pastor Mitch
April 18, 2004

Trials Allowed By The Lord

In life, we all go through trials. Sometimes, they can be a real source of discouragement to the heart, especially when they are long drawn. How can we find the strength to cope with such trials? Let’s learn from the example of Paul. He was no stranger to great trials and afflictions of life. In the text of 2 Corinthians 12:7, he made a reference to a “messenger of Satan” who afflicted him. He had a “thorn in the flesh” that was hard to bear.

“A thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.”
2 Corinthians 12:7

The “thorn in the flesh” was truly a painful experience for him. It was as if he was being “hurt by a stake”. The Lord allowed Satan to afflict Paul so that it would prevent him from being proud. Paul had to learn how to cope with this great affliction.

Learning To Depend On The Lord

1. Turning To The Lord In Prayer

“Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.”
2 Corinthians 12:8

When we go through trials, it is easy to depend on our own strength and wisdom. Often, we try to find our own solutions. Paul, on the contrary, sought the Lord in prayer. He pleaded and persevered in prayer. He called upon God three times over the same problem. We need to learn to depend on the Lord for help in prayer.

2. Understanding The Sufficiency Of God’s Grace

“He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'”
2 Corinthians 12:9

Paul was instructed by the Lord concerning His grace. It refers to the special favor that God showers upon a person. The result of that grace is strength from God. Paul had to learn that the Lord’s grace was more than sufficient for him to cope with his affliction. The Lord’s strength is seen most evidently when we learn to depend on Him in times of weakness.

3. Trusting In The Power Of Christ

“Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

Even though the “thorn in the flesh” continued to afflict him, there was now a sense of acceptance. He gladly embraced his predicament so that the power of Christ would be upon him. He was able to trust fully in the Lord’s mighty power. He was certain that the Lord’s strength would be able to sustain him.

4. Finding Inner-Man Strength

“For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:10

Such is the paradox of faith. It is when we are vulnerable and weak in the afflictions of life that we can find true strength in the Lord. We can find this inner-man strength to press on and not despair. Young people, let’s not be afraid of trials that come our way. Our challenge is to learn to depend on the Lord’s grace and find strength in times of weakness.

Back to Article Listing