Today : His Grace Is Sufficient
TODAY’S VERSE
“Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated- the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith.” Hebrews 11:35-39 (NIV) ‘”But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” II Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
TODAY’S THOUGHT
We all go through the valleys. There are times of disappointment, sorrow, anxiety, stress and suffering. To those who are addicted, have lost loved ones, are suffering with chronic pain, have incapacitating disease, are going through financial hardships, have been abused, have broken relationships, are lonely, confused or have mental illness, what do we do with faith? How do we believe in the face of such discouragement and doubt? Where is God in all of this? But then we must also ask, “What is faith for?” Maybe that is why Jesus came born in a manger not a palace. That He was “acquainted with grief a man of sorrows”. That He had “nowhere to lay His head.” That in the Garden He would fall down in prayer and say, “Father, if it is your will, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless your will, not mine, be done.” Or on the cross He would cry to His Father, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Perhaps Jesus’ exemplified the normal Christian experience? Perhaps like the examples in today’s passage, those that suffered so much for Jesus, all lived by faith as much as David, Moses, Abraham and the other examples of victorious achievements. Perhaps Paul was right when he quoted God as saying, “My grace is sufficient for you”, and he concluded that “God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.” Today, when you go through all you go through, may God fill your heart with the same peace, hope and faith that Jesus, Paul and those in Hebrews had.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, You know my name. You know who I am. You also know my needs. Thank You, Father, that You promised that if I seek Your Kingdom above everything else, You will give me everything I need. So I come to You now, Father, and ask that You would help me live for you. I entrust my needs to You. In Jesus Name.
AMEN
TODAY’S AFFIRMATION & MEDITATION
His grace is sufficient for me
Picture yourself tired, thirsty and out of breath. You have been walking all day and don’t feel you can walk another step. But then you see an Oasis just ahead. As you approach you can see a generous supply of water, food, shade and shelter. You are energized knowing you are so close. You arrive and attendants are there to help you. You eat, drink, rest and are revived. That evening there is laughter, fellowship and a good night’s sleep. In your heart you know this is what God does. Just when you think you can’t go any farther, He is there. What grace, what respite. As you continue your journey today, know that His grace is sufficient for you.