WE SURE THANK GOD FOR HIS GRACE EVERY DAY.
Now that I am “retired,” I happily spend far more time in the Word of God, and as I am sure I have alluded too many times, the Holy Spirit has QUICKENED, the Word to me more than at any time in my Christian life. There have been so many LIGHT BULB MOMENTS, that have truly been life-changing. Many times it was simply INFORMATION BECOMING REVELATION, that 18-inch drop from head to heart, but it was and has truly become LIFE CHANGING.
I am sure there have been enough incidences that I could literally write a book of all the truths from the Word of God that has awesomely worked in my life.
My readers would know from a couple of prayer requests I have put into blogs that the last 3+ months have been physically a real struggle caused by severe pain in my left knee and hip. My G.P. gave me pain killer patches (highest strength) plus Panadol Osteo to assist without success. I was referred to a Pain Specialist who thought it was a “pinched nerve” (in my back); an MRI Scan proved this to be incorrect, but the scan results showed there was nerve damage and has prescribed a new medication that will both assist with the pain, and assist in healing to the damaged nerve/s, this takes 4 +weeks before there is any improvement, after just 1+ weeks I am wanting to believe there is already a slight improvement.
The truth that has become so real to me is GOD’S GRACE TO HIS PEOPLE. The Greek word for GRACE is CHARIS, and we define it as God’s UNMERITED FAVOUR AND MERCY. I am learning to throw myself onto God’s mercy and grace EVERY DAY and He has and is carrying me through this very painful experience.
I am more committed than ever to God’s SOVEREIGNTY and have no doubt He has permitted this experience that I have been going through to do a work of Grace in me, as ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD ROM.8:28, and that He loves me so much He chooses such experiences to work in me. The writer to Hebrews in Heb. 12:5:11 NKJV tells us
And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, THAT WE MAY BE PARTAKERS OF HIS HOLINESS. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterwards it yields THETHE PEACEABLE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS to those who have been trained (respond to God’s dealing and not react to it).
I am going to list in various translations the verse that has been such a blessing and aid to me and will highlight keywords that may help you. 2 Cor.12:9
AMP. N.T. But He said to me, My grace (My favour and lovingkindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!
N.K.J.V. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
N.L.T. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. MY POWER WORKS BEST IN WEAKNESS” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.
PASSION But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.
MESSAGE
and then he told me,
My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness.
The pain did not reduce, but HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT, IT WORKS BEST IN WEAKNESS HALLELUJAH.
So whatever you are going through at this time, throw yourself on the GRACE OF GOD, REMEMBER, the Lord has permitted it for a purpose (for our good), to help us become MORE LIKE JESUS.
