by Kim Atkins
II Corinthians 12:1-10
Paul's Vision
1 Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows--such a man was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know how such a man--whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows-- 4 was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. 5 On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. 6 For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.
A Thorn in the Flesh
7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Grace Advantage
In the times we are yet facing and times ahead, I ask each of you, is God’s grace sufficient? Will His grace be enough to sustain us through what is ahead? Have we been put through enough fires and has God “buffeted” our rough spots so that we are able to stand? Will you be tempted to give up and throw in the towel and say God is not enough? Each question is presented to press you towards the “Grace Advantage”.
We know that in and of ourselves, we do not have the ability or power to accomplish many things. However, with God’s help all things are possible. When the Apostle Paul prayed that God would remove the thorn from his side, he did not give up. He prayed three times. At that darkest hour, the time when Paul thought it was the hardest, that’s when God stepped in. “My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthian 12:9). When we are presented with situations that we are unable to overcome, know that God’s “Grace Advantage” is there.
Senior Pastor Darrin and Co-Pastor Annette, has taught us that through the Holy Spirit living within each of us, (that is, if you have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior), you have power to overcome all that you face when you seek to live your life for Jesus Christ. Living for Christ keeps you from being crushed by trouble and overcome by your doubts and fears. This life will keep you from being destroyed by hurtful or slanderous words spoken by other people. It will fill you with His love and peace. God’s promise lets us know that he will take care of our personal needs and give us strength to endure. When your human strength ends, God has promised that His miraculous power, including His grace will give us an advantage and bring us through.
So, if:
You are facing a crisis today…Use God’s Grace Advantage!
You are sick and medicine has failed you…Use God’s Grace Advantage!
Your finances are out of control…Use God’s Grace Advantage!
Your family is falling apart…Use God’s Grace Advantage!
Bad habits have you hopelessly bound…Use God’s Grace Advantage!
You have done absolutely all you know to do and things have not improved…Use God’s Grace Advantage!
Now rejoice! For when your human strength ends, the power of God excels and His “Grace Advantage” kicks in! Your job is to believe because His Grace is sufficient for you!