The Apostle Paul, like the rest of us had his share of troubles. He writes, “...there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me...” (II Corinthians 12:7). He asked the Lord three times that this burden may be lifted, the Lord responds, “...My grace is sufficient for thee.” Paul didn’t need deliverance, he needed grace.

    His grace is still sufficient today. For our many thorns there is an appropriate amount of grace to be received from Christ. His tender hand is ready and willing to provide the needed strength to carry the load. Our weaknesses should lead us to Christ. It is in our strongest times when we are weakest in the Lord. It would be far better to be frail and needy that the power of Christ my rest upon us. (II Corinthians 12:9). It is when we do not trust in ourselves that we trust in Him.

    Though the thorn may be small, no doubt the pain is great. Yes, we desire grace for the catastrophes of life, but what about the things that we deem to be minuscule: stuck in traffic, headaches, stress, car trouble, work, arguments, money, home repairs, temptations, and relationships. The list could go on and on. However, for many of us all of these little things take place in just one day. Hundreds of thorns may pierce the body, mind, and soul before the day is done. And these are the very things we needlessly attempt to carry. Let us be needy and poor that we might be strong in the Lord.

    Grace is deliverance, “For by grace are ye saved...” (Ephesians 2:8). Saved from what? God’s wrath upon sin, eternal punishment in Hell. If His grace is sufficient to save the soul, surely there is enough for daily living. Paul later writes, “Therefore I take pleasure in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in destresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (II Corinthians 12:10). “Lord give us more of your amazing grace!

                                                                                                                                                                                            Josh Greene
                                                                                                                                                                                                7-18-09