Sufficient Grace

The apostle had to defend his office as an apostle. He spoke of the authority he received from God and of his suffering for the gospel. He also mentioned how he was caught up into paradise and received an inexpressible blessing, which was an evidence of the favor of God to him as an apostle.

With this special proof of divine favor, there was given him a thorn in his flesh so that he would not exalt himself. The apostle had to endure many outward troubles. He mentions them in verse 10: infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses. He also had inward trouble — unto him was given a thorn in his flesh. We do not know what this thorn really was. Some say it was the corruption of his own heart. Others believe it was a special temptation. It is also possible that it was a bodily affliction, for it was a thorn in his flesh.

The apostle asked the Lord to be delivered from that thorn. He received an answer. Christ spoke to him, He who is the sympathizing High Priest, who was tempted in all points like unto us, and who knows the suffering of His church.

The answer was, “My grace is sufficient for thee. ”

Christ speaks of My grace. The word is related to a verb which means to rejoice, or that which delights. Therefore, it is to make glad by gifts, by showing unmerited goodness. Thus My grace means My favor, My kindness, My sympathy. It may well be translated, My love.

What Christ says here is, with emphasis, “My love is enough for you. ”

Afflicted apostle, you have blessed privileges. You have the love of the Father to comfort you: “ Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him. ” You have the power of Christ to carry and support you, as the prophet said in Isaiah 4 6 , “ I will carry and deliver you. ” You have the Holy Spirit, who dwells in you and guides you. You have the presence of all three Persons with you.

It is enough for you that I love you.

No, Paul, I am not removing the thorn from you. You need your cross and this painful experience to keep you humble and dependent. It may seem to be an obstacle and a hindrance for you, also for the labors to which I called you. However, it is enough for you that I love you and that I am with you.

Here is strength for your weakness, comfort in your sorrows, nearness in your loneliness, light in your darkness, My favor in the midst of all your trying circumstances and enemies. In God's favor is life, and His loving-kindness is better than life. Follow Him. He knows, understands, guides, and leads you in the right way.

He also says, “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” That strength is like dynamite. It breaks through rocks and mountains, and removes them. He makes the way before you plain, and breaks a path where there is no way. Whatever mountains may rise up before you, His strength will be manifested.

He says, “My strength is perfected, ” which means, “reaches its end, its purpose, its goal, ” in your weakness, Paul. Therein I will manifest My faithfulness and strength. By doing this I will be glorified. Therefore you must be weak, that I may show My might and power, to My glory.

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The treasure is in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God. But that power was also sufficient for the apostle. He says in Philippians 4 : 1 4 , “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

This is God's wise leading with all His children. He makes them weak, removes their strength, gives them a thorn in their flesh, and makes them cry for His help. He teaches them in that way that His grace is sufficient for them to carry the cross behind Him, to continue their journey in the midst of the storm of life, and to enable them to bear the pain of afflictions. That grace is also sufficient to live in the only comfort and to die in peace.

That grace is sufficient for them to go safely through the Jordan of death and then to enter into glory.

These are the lessons taught at Jesus' school. When I am weak, then am I strong.

In this present world the strong, the beautiful, the successful, and the rich are glorified. How many boast in the accomplishments of the heroes of sports, movies, etc., the idols of our days! People admire those who are beautiful, rich, and strong. They pity, or even despise, those who are weak and poor.

Young people, you also may feel strong and talented. Maybe you have many plans for the future, and you perhaps wonder, What is really the happiness of that people of God? They often are not the strong and mighty ones of this world, and they cannot help themselves. It all seems so contrary to the desires of our human nature. Yet those who are spiritually dependent and poor and weak and who expect everything from the Lord are not to be pitied. They have a mighty God, who is able and willing to help and save them.

Human power and riches will one day fail. When we grow older, strength and beauty decrease or leave us. In the hour of death no human power or riches will help us. When we have to stand before our Judge, we will not be able to help and save ourselves with our strength and power. Then we will be alone, without a refuge.

God's children, however, have a mighty Fortress, a Refuge, a faithful Redeemer, who says, “It is enough for you that I love you, that My presence goes before you, that I will never leave you nor forsake you.” How rich are those poor, afflicted people of God.

In the hour of death no human power or riches will help us.

Young and old, seek the Lord while He may yet be found, call upon Him while He is near. It is still the acceptable time, the day of salvation. He says, “Riches and honour are with Me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.” We read in Proverbs 8:35, “For whoso findeth Me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD.”

That favor, that grace, is enough for you, pilgrim, for your journey through this wilderness. How poor we are when we lean on our own strength, when we can do it all ourselves, when we can help ourselves, and when we know the way so well and are so self-contented and self-sufficient. Then there is no room for the ministry of this almighty Redeemer. Then we will suffer shipwreck and never enter into the safe harbor.

Ask the Lord for a place at His school. Though the lessons are against our flesh and blood, and humbling to our pride, yet the Teacher is wise and faithful, and there is still room.

A weak people will experience what we read in Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” They will be kept, and their mighty Savior will never leave them nor forsake them.

In His strength they will conquer all enemies and may sing of His grace, His faithfulness and love, shown to undeserving sinners.

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