Devotional: Coping with Success- Day 3

Day 3: The Grace That Empowers

Reading:
1 Corinthians 15:9-10;
9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

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 besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest 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.


Devotional:
Paul labored more than all the other apostles, yet he declared, "Not I, but the grace of God which was with me." When he faced opposition—a messenger of Satan buffeting him—God's response wasn't removal of the problem but provision of grace: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." You have grace for exactly where God has placed you right now. Grace to be a parent, a spouse, an employee, a believer. When you feel weak and inadequate, that's actually the perfect position for God's strength to shine through. Stop comparing yourself with others and start accessing the grace available for your specific calling and circumstances.

Reflection Question:
What weakness in my life could become a showcase for God's strength if I surrendered it to His grace?