enough of everything

All of us live our lives in this fallen world, dealing with circumstances that we were never meant to deal with. God’s creation was perfect and without sin, sickness, natural disasters, war or tragedy. Sin destroyed our perfect earth and corrupted the hearts of men. The world we live in today is not what God had in mind for mankind.

As a result, we are forced to deal with the results of darkness. Whether our challenges come from evil people or destructive weather, from life threatening illnesses or genetic abnormalities, we are faced with the impact of sin in the human race.

Sadly, such challenges seem as common to believers as to unbelievers. We are often confronted with the reality of sincere believers suffering from cancer or premature death, or struggling to raise their families and make ends meet. Jobs are lost, marriages fail and some succumb to temptations of the flesh.

What resources do we have to confront life in a fallen world? Have we been left to fend for ourselves? When Paul was in despair due to a demonic presence harassing his ministry, he cried out to God on three occasions. Even Paul was not immune to the questions and frustrations that come from our fallen world. God’s response was revealing and profound.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

While most traditional views of this verse would suggest that the Lord was telling Paul to just “deal with it,” what is really being said is a revelation for all of us. As we search the Scriptures for the meaning of grace we can find many revelations of what the Lord was saying. We can obviously start with the word “strength.” Strength is the ability and power of God. His grace is His strength. We can also find that God’s grace is His provision for every need.

“God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you, always having enough of everything, may abound to every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8

Grace is “enough of everything.” In other words, every situation that we face has been provided for. There is enough of God’s provision and strength to enforce the victory in our lives. The question is, are we willing to receive God’s grace or will we decide to fight our battles in our own strength?

You can tell when someone is fighting in their own strength. They are frustrated, tired, offended, emotional, or, they simply just give up. That is not God’s grace.

God’s grace includes all of His promises, all that was accomplished for us on the cross, all the power that is available in His Name, His Spirit, His Word, the better covenant, the keys of the Kingdom, the power of righteousness, the armor of God, the power of prayer, etc. His grace is sufficient, but so few embrace that provision when they need it.

Focusing on His grace now, before the storm hits, can be a huge foundation for success. The more we are prepared in His grace in the present, the more easily we will deal with the issues of life in the future. Don’t wait until you are in the midst of the problem. Search out the grace of God now, and get familiar with the abundant provision that is at your disposal. His grace is sufficient!