AVAAT

A VERSE AT A TIME

TOPIC: THE POWER OF CHRIST

TEXT: 2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-9

KEY VERSE: but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12: 9(AMP)

Focusing on our weaknesses can sometimes distract us from pursuing God’s purpose for our lives. We all have our shortcomings, but it’s crucial to understand that God’s grace is not just a provision for our victory but a transformative power. It can turn our weaknesses into strengths, giving us access to God’s favour and mercy. The Holy Spirit releases this transformative power, offering us comfort and hope.

As a young believer, Paul diligently studied and prayed to understand the purpose of God’s call. He even withdrew into the desert to seek God’s face and better understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. God blessed him with revelations, and he could share things neither of the other apostles knew. However, God permitted him to be afflicted with a physical ailment for his own good. Paul prayed three times for this condition to be removed, but God answered him by pointing to the sufficiency of His grace for the weakness instead of removing it.

“As a parent, I remember taking my children to the hospital for injections. Although I knew it would be painful for them, I didn’t prevent it because I knew it would ultimately benefit their health. I stood by them, comforting and supporting them through their recovery. Similarly, our heavenly Father may not always answer our prayers to prevent pain or discomfort, but He always gives us the grace to cope and overcome any difficulty.”

But even before I was born, God had chosen me by his gift of undeserved grace and had decided  to show me his Son so I would announce his message to the Gentiles. I didn’t talk this over with anyone.  I didn’t say a word, not even to the men in Jerusalem who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went at once to Arabia, and afterwards, I returned to Damascus. Galatians 1:15-17(CEV)

Don’t forget that the Lord is patient because he wants people to be saved. This is also what our dear friend Paul said when he wrote you with the wisdom God had given him.  Paul talks about these same things in all his letters, but part of what he says is hard to understand. Some ignorant and unsteady people even destroy themselves by twisting what he said. They do the same thing with other Scriptures, too. 2 Peter 3:15-16(CEV)

He refines and shapes us like a refiner or potter to become suitable for God’s purpose. These processes expose our weaknesses so that God’s grace can transform us. As a standby, the Holy Spirit knows what we need and helps us draw from the power of Christ. Think of when we run out of electric Power and have to rely on a standyby generator to supply power. The Holy Spirit enables drawing from God’s power as we meditate on the word of God and spend time praying in the Spirit.

You have made me see much trouble and hardship, but you will revive me again and bring me up from the depths of the earth.Psalm 71:20(CJB)

Remember what you said to me, your servant— I hang on to these words for dear life! These words hold me up in bad times; yes, your promises rejuvenate me.Psalm 119:50(MSG)

David fulfilled God’s purpose for his generation by persevering through his tribulations and holding onto God’s promises. Though God’s promises may be delayed, they never fail. When our strength is depleted, the Holy Spirit knows and acts as our strengthener. By meditating on and confessing God’s word during difficult times, we can tap into the power of Christ to help us cope while we wait for change.

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. John 16:7(AMP)

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] Spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12(AMPC)

Also, the Spirit helps us. We are very weak, but the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We don’t know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself speaks to God for us. He begs God for us, speaking to him with feelings too deep for words. Romans 8:26(ERV)

Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this, you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God’s people.Ephesians 6:18(ERV)

Living a purposeful life is enjoyable when we rely on the Power of Christ, not ourselves. Make the mindset shift that you are not alone; you have help.

Reflection Questions

1. What weaknesses are hindering your pursuit of purpose? 
2. What promises keep you centred on Christ? 
3. How can you improve your practice of praying in the Spirit? 
4. How does this devotion encourage you?