2 Corinthians 12:9

 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

 

It is hard to say how Christ spoke to Paul but more than likely it was with the “still small voice” by which we often hear the voice of the Lord speak to us. Paul was an avid prayer and communication with his Lord was both a habit and revealing. What is important is that his request, though fervently prayed for, was not granted, but assurance of grace to support him was. Paul is not the first to pray for something he did not receive, neither was he the last. Jesus himself prayed in the Garden for the cup to be removed from him. He prayed so fervently he sweat drops of blood! Yet, it was not his will he desired but the will of his Father that he relented to. If our Saviour’s request was not answered in a literal way, we cannot expect all our prayers to be answered. Some things are withheld when we pray. Reasons may vary, but inevitably it is because God knows what is best for us. Perhaps the answer to prayer would spiritually harm us, and the removal of the trial would present greater harm to us. We do not know the answers, but we do know our God desires good for us and not harm. Here Paul received the grace he needed to contend with whatever trial he continued to undergo, he also was placed in a position of constant reminder of where this grace came from. When we receive answers to our requests, how often do we forget from whence it has come? Watch a child receive a gift they have been longing for, and soon you will note that gift has lost its pleasure. It becomes common and no longer satisfies. The Lord is saying to Paul and to us that the gift he has for us is our dependence upon him, for it is in our weakness the favour of Christ rests upon us. His strength does not come to those who feel strong, but to those who realize their need of divine aid. He will never let us down.    

Pastor Julia   

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