Good morning,
We do not like to admit we are weak. However, it is in that very weakness that God shows He is sufficient.
An elastic promise!
(George Everard, “Help on the Way to the Better Land!” 1873)
Very rich and full is the promise, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
It has been spoken of as an elastic promise. The word “sufficient” may not sound very great, but it stretches according to a man’s necessity. A Christian’s need may be great today–and the word “sufficient” reaches it. It may be ten times as great tomorrow–but the word “sufficient” reaches it still. The grace is still sufficient for the greater need–as for the lesser.
The promise shows also that not until we are weak–does the Lord bestow His strength. We may be too strong for the Lord to help us. Gideon’s army must be brought almost to nothing, before the Lord will use it to overthrow the Midianites. And until we are brought low in our own thoughts, until the discipline employed has thoroughly emptied us of all high imaginings as to what we can do, or we can effect, or we can bear–we cannot be strong in the Lord.
“When I am weak,” and not before, “then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10.
When I have learned experimentally . . .
that I am a bruised reed,
that I have in myself no power to endure affliction,
that left to myself I shall assuredly rebel against the rod, and murmur against the gracious Hand that holds it–then the Lord draws near by the Spirit, and gives a joy and a peace that nothing can destroy!
Meditate on this truth and allow God to be your sufficiency.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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