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Now that summer is ending, it’s time to pick up where I left off on my last posted article.

Looking back, I see that it began with comparing the link between physical and spiritual weakness. Paul refers to his thorn in the flesh in 2 Corinthians 12:7, and concludes in verse 10, that “for when I am weak then I am strong.” It is this paradox that catches my attention because, at one time, I falsely associated strength with the worldly perspective of power, and therefore, miss the strength of God’s goodness and grace.

Sometimes, it can be easy to focus on what one can’t do rather than what God enables us to do. So, before going further, I’d like to highlight what I mean, when referring to grace. Although lengthy books are written on this topic, simply said, grace is the basis of Christian faith. Grace demonstrates God’s undeserved favor towards us. One aspect of grace reveals the very strength of God that enables us to overcome the challenges of life. Grace is God’s gift which demonstrates His power to fulfill what we lack.

Since life throws curve balls to us all, I imagine you have felt the walls of life closing in on you at some point. Marital problems, financial concerns, alarming news of cancer cells that gnaw at your hearts, conflict with a wayward son or daughter? What situation is your constant companion that drains your energy and fills your thoughts? Yet, I am convinced that: God’s grace, His strength, His divine ability, His favor, and love towards us, are all more powerful than our burden. In my weakness, God gives grace.

When I was a new believer, an older lady explained that learning to trust the Lord is ongoing, a process that matures over time as we build our history with God. Through years of various trials, I reflect on the past ways the Lord has strengthened, or at times, carried me, through the storm. This being said, I am also amazed how quickly doubt can loom in the face of a new situation. Yet, if His grace was sufficient before, His grace will be enough in the wake of the present trial.

The Psalms are a beautiful testament of this truth. King David cried out to the Lord when he was distressed and discouraged, but was blessed by God’s favor, His grace, that comforted and lifted his spirit in songs of praise.

Have you learned the value of dependence upon God? I continue to learn how His grace and strength are all for my good. Without trials, faith doesn’t grow.

Some people make comments after hearing about my difficult circumstances, and say they have nothing to complain about. Yet is my thorn worse than yours, or vice versa? Of course not! God’s grace is sufficient for each of us!

As I continue down this road of thought, I am curious about traits that sustained Abraham, Joseph, Noah, Moses, King David, Job and so forth. What strengths did they possess that would benefit us today?

Firstly, I note that the men were dependant on God. They were not self-reliant, but all sought the face of God and communed closely with Him. Were they perfect? No, of course not, but regardless of their mistakes, they still called upon God. They exalted and sought the heart of the Father and at times, repented and obeyed His commands. I will make mistakes along the way, but the key is to always run toward the Lord rather than away from His presence. He is my Fortress, my High Tower, my Hiding Place.

Just as these men of faith relied upon their God, I too have established that Christ is my Rock, the cornerstone of my life; no matter the strength or duration of the storm, I know He will see me through. (Ephesians 3:16)

His grace shatters the walls of doubt, fear, self-pity, pride, unforgiveness, past memories… Divine grace will always empower the believer to scale the walls of obstacles that rear their ugly heads, and His grace sustains, encourages and gives hope in times of crisis or simply, in our mundane, daily lives.

Secondly, these men chose not to blame someone or something for their trials but remained steadfast, fixed upon the biblical facts, the sovereignty of God. They believed, trusting that the Lord would provide, and they followed. They did not try to escape the tribulations that beset them but endured to the end.

Still, if you are like me, you may ask, how can I accomplish all of this in my lifetime? The answer, only by God’s divine, undeserved grace! It is “not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord.” (Zechariah 4:1)

A good practice I enjoy most days, is to set time aside and read portions of the Bible which allows various scripture to transform my heart. This habit is where I discover who the Lord God is; His character and His love for me.

Join the race if you haven’t already and accept Christ as your Rock. I love the lyrics in, “the Power of the Cross”, by Stuart Townend.

Chorus:

“This the pow’r of the cross;

Christ became sin for us, paid the price, took the blame, bore the wrath;

We stand forgiven at the cross.“

Today, you can stand forgiven by surrendering your heart to the Lord and rejoice in His unfailing grace!

I have also found that it is of exceeding value to become a part of a church family and benefit from Biblical teaching.

Lord, thank you for the trials of life, which have drawn me near, so I can see Your blessings – the strength of grace in weakness.