Part of verse 9 in the message says, “My grace is enough; it's all you need”. I learnt a lesson that season.
That the system God created was not one where I was all-powerful but one where I needed to rely on his
grace.
Paul writes this after telling us of an infirmity (a messenger of Satan) God had sent to torment him. Paul
confesses that he had asked God three times, to take it away but God’s reply was the above statement.
God’s power is made perfect in our weaknesses – this means that Gods strength and power is seen in our
weaknesses – they are the stages God uses to demonstrate his power. God wants us to boast in our weak-
nesses because (and this is where the counterintuition hits the most), When we are Weak, then we are
Strong.
I’m thinking of how to simplify this theology further. I think another way to say it is this:
God has given us skills and abilities and talents to do things and they can take us quite a distance. But God
intends for us to be meteoric and to achieve that level we need to tap into his grace. Sometimes our
strength fails and we see clearly our weaknesses – these times are opportunities to ask him to infuse us
with his strength.
Honestly understanding this fundamental truth is one of the keys to a happier future for you. You have a
limit – stop trying to be more than that – rely on God for extra power.
Another lesson I learnt as regards strength from my illness that has helped me in navigating mental illness
is found in the book of Lamentations (yes very ironic – in the book written out of depression). It’s a very
common passage actually. Lamentations 3:22-23 says,
Because of the LORD's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new
every morning; great is your faithfulness. NIV
GOD's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new
every morning. How great your faithfulness! MSG
God’s faithful love never ceases and it’s our guarantee of his grace every day. His mercies are new every
morning! My physical pain used to frustrate me but soon I learnt that God’s grace to handle the pain was
not a one-time input – it was new every morning. It was like the manna he gave the Israelites – every day
he gave me enough grace and perseverance.
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