Hello sweet friends,
Today’s Reading … 2 Corinthians 1-13, Acts 20:1-3 and Romans 1-3
2 Corinthians begins with comfort: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). And it closes with comfort: “Finally brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11). In the middle we find the reason for the comfort: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). The source of this comfort? “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9) (What the Bible is All About).
This new mission, the mission to carry on the work of Jesus, is not easy. In fact, it is impossible without the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul offers wonderful encouragement for us as we seek to fulfill our mission. The words of Paul carry much credibility when we consider the persecution that he faced on his missionary journeys. Paul experienced illness, prison, torture, attacks from other believers, and a “thorn in his flesh” that is not specified. It is believed that Scripture does not specify the “thorn” because it teaches us that God’s grace is sufficient for any weakness in our lives, any “thorn.” Throughout all of this, Paul was always conscious of the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. All of the struggles and pain pale in comparison to the relationship that we have with Jesus Christ. We can follow Paul’s example to live with our hearts open to Jesus, our spirits dependent on the Holy Spirit and our eyes looking to the future and His ultimate victory. This model will guide us as we take up our cross everyday to follow Him, to fulfill our mission.
Dr. Mears breaks down 2 Corinthians 12:9, explaining why every word is important:
“My” – means God.
“Grace” – means unmerited favor. I bring Christ what I have-my sins. He brings me what He has-his righteousness. An exchange is made. He takes my sin and gives me His righteousness. This is grace. Wonderful grace!
“Is” – means present, always.
“Sufficient” – means enough to satisfy. “Our sufficiency is of God” (2 Corinthians 3:5).
God’s unmerited favor is always present and always satisfies.
We are equipped for our mission. Despite the persecution, attacks, failures and thorns-God’s grace is sufficient, today and always. He will empower you with His Spirit and cover you with His comfort. Keep going my friend, keep serving in His strength for His mission and His glory.
Love you all,
Kinsee
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return empty, but accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
