Series: Grace For Times Of Trouble

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 – (7 “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the Revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8) For this thing I be sought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me. 9) And He said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for you: for My strength is made perfect in weakens. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the Power of Christ may rests upon me. (10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

     True or false: If you have enough faith, pray regularly, and obey God, He will change or remove the negative circumstances in your life?

     Anyone who tells you the answer to this statement is “true” isn’t being honest. The message of Jesus Christ is not a “name it and claim it” gospel that says if you want a certain blessing badly enough God will give it to you on your conditions.

     As your loving Father, He has your best interest at heart. If something you ask for doesn’t fit His perfect plan for your work and wellbeing, He may say no. His care goes beyond the pleasure of the moment. He is always at work preparing you for the future, sometimes at the expense of temporary pain.

     Paul learned this lesson well, after petitioning God three times to remove a problem, he began to understand why God didn’t taken his trouble away. “And He has said to me, My Grace is sufficient for you: for My strength is made perfect in weakens. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the Power of Christ may rests upon me.”(vs.9).

Stay tuned for another installment shortly of:  “Grace For Times Of Trouble”

SECRETS

     Secrets – whether a grandmother’s special recipe or a company’s unique product formula are rarely revealed. In his letter to the Philippians church, the Apostle Paul provided all who would read the Scriptures with the secret of contented living (Philippians 4:11-13).

     Paul announced to them and us that he was content in life – whether he had scraps for dinner or a feast, whether his purse was bulging or flat. His secret is shared in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

     The Greek word for contentment is translated “self-sufficiency” or “self-satisfaction.” That may surprise you. At first glance, Paul appears to say that the secret to contentment lies in his own resilient self.

     But what he was expressing was this: “My self-sufficiency, my level of contentment, lies in the sufficiency of Christ to meet my every need. I can endure rain or shine, darkness or light, sorrow or joy because through Him I am equipped and sustained.”

     Paul’s secret is yours. Despite the circumstances you may be experiencing, you can enjoy true contentment when you accept the truth that Christ is adequate for your every need – in good times and bad.

Blindness (Physical & Spiritual)

Physical blindness (the inability to see the material world) has several origins: disease, injury, malformity, age, etc. Spiritual blindness (the inability to understand spiritual truth) has only one cause: Satan, “the god of this world” who “has blinded the minds of the unbelieving. (2 Corinthians 4:3).

     Although the devil is involved in accusing and harassing followers of Christ; don’t forget he also is intensely active in obscuring the truth of salvation.

     Those who have received Christ have triumphed over the devil through the blood of Christ. But those who continue to be deceived through his lies are victims of his cruel and deadly tyranny. Satan’s objective is to bring along with him as many people as possible in his rebellion against God. Just look at the entirety of the world situation around us (i.e. riots in the streets, conflicts, and confusion in the minds of young and old people alike regarding their purpose and responsibilities in life thinking someone else is responsible for their well being – Don’t forget Satan is a liar and the truth is not in him).

     How does Satan blind? Primarily by undermining the inerrancy and integrity of the whole of Scripture. In this way he removes the convicting tool of the Holy Spirit for repentance and faith.

     He also blinds by exalting self and diminishing the effect of sin. “I’m not lost. Sure, I’m not perfect, but who is?” Satan blinds the minds of the unbelieving by making “the word of the cross…foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

     Just as there is only one cause for spiritual blindness, so there is only one cure. Paul prescribes it in his letter to the Corinthians: “But whenever a man turns to the Lord the veil (of unbelief) is taken away” (2 Corinthians 3:16).

     Only a personal encounter with the risen Christ can bring life and light. The Apostle John proclaimed that Christ is “…the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man” (John 1:9)

     Unbelievers abide in the dominion of darkness and Satan. It is God the Father Who “delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13).

     As the Gospel (the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ) is preached, the Holy Spirit moves in the hearts of men to guide them into the truth that sets them free. We understand our alienation from God is the result of our sins. We realize our inability to win His favor. We also clearly see that we can be forgiven and reconciled to God the Father only through Christ’s sin bearing work at Calvary.

     We call on Jesus’ name, asking Him to save us from our sins, placing our faith in Him alone – and in that moment our blindness is lifted and we can see the kingdom of God. Thus, the love of God is triumphant.