Life is challenging but challenges can help us grow. The Christian life is certainly not without its own unique set of challenges.
Jesus did not tell us we would not have troubles rather he warned us in advance that we would. Not only did he warn us but he also made a way for us to face them…
Three times, the apostle Paul pleaded with the Lord to remove a “thorn in his flesh.” The Lord replied only once. He said,” my grace is sufficient for you and my power made perfect in weakness”
Paul’s attitude changed. He stopped asking the Lord to take away the “thorn” and accepted that what he needed was to find God’s grace to carry him through.
He was willing to even accept his situation and “take pleasure in it” if it meant that power of God’s grace would rest upon him. He realized that when he was weak in himself then he was his strongest in the Lord.
This reminds us of the words of Jesus in John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NKJV)
- Mark Saunders