2 Corinthians 12:9 - Power in Weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - Power in Weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) My grace is sufficient for you, for my
power is made perfect in weakness.
Self-sufficiency is the enemy of grace. If we believe we are
able to do everything on our own, why do we need God? Our
inadequacies are an opportunity for Him to show Himself sufficient. In this
there is grace, a gift we could never receive if we could solve our
own problems. God's grace, and therefore His power, aren't made
manifest in those who believe they have no need for help. It doesn't
shine most brightly in the "I-can-do-it-myself" types. It shines in
the inadequate, in those who know they need God's power to succeed
and endure. It shines when we are unable to pull ourselves up by our
bootstraps. This is when He can show up to do great things in our impossible
situation. This is when He is glorified and we are strengthened in our
faith and hope by watching Him work. He moves in - and through -
ordinary people. He always has and always will.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the
wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God
chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the
things that are not - to nullify the things that are, so that no one
may boast before him (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
Since these things are true, one of the most powerful acts we
can do is thank God for what we cannot do on our own, and then
invite Him into our inadequacies. When we do, we'll be surprised how He
provides grace to sustain, equip, and guide us for the road ahead. God's
grace is sufficient, because when you are weak then you are strong (2
Corinthians 12:10).
To receive the gift of grace that brings with it God's
enabling power to accomplish His plans and purposes for our lives, we
must humble ourselves and admit that we are unable, dependent, and
that without Him we can "do nothing" (John 15:5).
Will you join me today by inviting Christ into your
inadequacies and thank Him that you are able to do all things through His
grace and power?
I can do all this through him who gives me strength
(Philippians 4:13).
Lord, thank you so much that you will enable me to do that
which you have called me to. I don't have to try to work in my own
strength. Amen. by Shana Schutte [http://shanaschutte.com/about/]
Living in dependence on Me is a glorious adventure. Most
people scurry around busily, trying to accomplish things through their
own strength and ability. Some succeed enormously; others fail
miserably. But both groups miss what life is meant to be: living and
working in collaboration with Me.
When you depend on Me continually, your whole perspective
changes. You see miracles happening all around, while others see only
natural occurrences and "coincidences." You begin each day with joyful
expectation, watching to see what I will do. You accept weakness as a gift
from Me, knowing that My Power plugs in most readily to consecrated
weakness. You keep your plans tentative, knowing that My plans are far
superior. You consciously live, move, and have your being in Me, desiring
that I live in you. I in you and you in Me. This is the intimate
adventure I offer you. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Acts 17:28; Colossians
2:6-7; John 14:20 [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
My grace is sufficient for you. This grace is enough to get
you through your toughest times. Do you believe this? It's one thing
to believe it when circumstances are going your way. It's another
thing altogether when you're struggling just to take the next step.
Yet this is when My grace is the most precious and glorious - when
you know you cannot go another step without it. Then it becomes the
shining focus of your life.
I invite you to drink deeply from the exceeding riches of My
grace - My favor, mercy, and lovingkindness. It is a free gift that
opens the way for you into eternity. It also provides what you need to
live now, in this fractured world. So come freely into My Presence
and pour out your heart to Me. I do not always say yes to your
petitions, but I do give you what you need. And I always give you Myself -
My compassionate understanding, My unfailing Love.
Do not be ashamed of your weaknesses; boast about them!
Through them you are learning to depend more on Me, so that My Power may
dwell in you. (2Co. 12:9; Eph. 2:6, 7; Isa. 54:10) [Jesus Today by
Sarah Young]
I am in your midst, and I am mighty! Just as the sun is at
the center of the solar system, so I am at the center of your entire
being - physical, emotional, and spiritual. I, the Mighty One who
created the universe, live inside you! Let this amazing truth
reverberate in your mind and soak into your innermost being.
Ponder what it means to have so much Power dwelling inside
you. One implication is that you don't need to worry about your lack
of strength. In fact, my Power shows itself most effective in your
weakness.
Remind yourself frequently that I live inside you and I am
mighty! Let your awareness of My indwelling Presence drive out
discouragement and fill you with great Joy. As My Life flows into yours, you
are strengthened with divine might. (Zep. 3:17; 2Co. 12:9; Jude 24)
[Jesus Today by Sarah Young]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2014/20140827-1650.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782
Musical Devotional On Christian Living:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDY:
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/
LINKS FOR PROPHECY SEMINARS
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
http://www.lastdayofprophecy.com/
[March 21-26, 2016: Charlotte, NC in person with live streaming
and multiple outreach locations]
Revelation Today by Pastor John Bradshaw:
https://revelationtoday.com/other-streams/
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
