Morning Devotional 040225 Sufficient Grace

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  April 2, 2025

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

7 I was given a thorn in my body because of the outstanding revelations I’ve received so that I wouldn’t be conceited. It’s a messenger from Satan sent to torment me so that I wouldn’t be conceited. 8 I pleaded with the Lord three times for it to leave me alone. 9 He said to me, “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” So I’ll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power can rest on me. 10 Therefore, I’m all right with weaknesses, insults, disasters, harassments, and stressful situations for the sake of Christ, because when I’m weak, then I’m strong.

Good Morning. Praise God for everything!

God’s grace is sufficient! 

I have been on both sides of an interview table. Whether you’re the interviewer asking the person to discuss their weaknesses or the interviewee having to describe your weaknesses, it creates an awkward moment. 

Most of us can easily discuss our strengths, but we often prefer not to talk about the challenges we face. The concept that God’s power within us is perfected in our weaknesses is difficult to grasp. 

As a young person, I remember being embarrassed by my mistakes, especially those made in public. Whether the mistake happened while performing or speaking, my neck would get splotchy, and I would wish to become invisible as I returned to my seat. 

It is necessary to learn to laugh at ourselves and trust God to lead us. When we are vulnerable, we are more open to the spirit working within. It seems when I think I have it all together that, my weaknesses confront me. A few weeks ago, I had put together a “great” sermon for Sunday. 

It was a busy morning; I got distracted, and I didn’t check my device with my notes prior to the service. When I opened my device, the notes were missing. At first, I thought it was an Internet issue, but after a quick reboot, still nothing. I joked, “I guess God has more confidence in me than I do.”

I allowed the Spirit to direct my thoughts and words in that moment. Scary, yes, but a powerful reminder that all things come from God, and God will lead us when we are ready to be led. 

And now, let the weak say I am strong; let the poor say I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us. 

Loving Lord, Maker of all things! Help us let go so that we might engage your power within us through the Holy Spirit. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: God can use all that we are to accomplish great things.

We learn best during our moments of humility! Pastor Liz