Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

SUFFICIENCY OF GRACE

“Grace, grace, God’s grace; grace that is greater than all our sin,” go the lyrics of the much loved hymn. Truly, the marvelous grace of the loving, redeeming Savior is sufficient, not for some, but for all possible situations of life. While struggling with his thorn in the flesh, the apostle Paul asked in prayer that it might be removed from him. He then got an answer which he revealed as he wrote to the church at Corinth, “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.” 2 Cor. 12:9.

It is so hard for most Christians to get it. I write of the concept that the strength of God is manifest not in human strength, but in human weakness. No one wants to be sick, infirmed in any way or struggle in limited abilities. Preference is always given to human strength, perfection, wholeness, talent, intelligence, and abilities. How easy it would have been for Paul to be exalted above measure over the revelations he received in being caught up into the third heaven. That is why he was given the messenger of Satan to keep him humble in the first place.

Kudos to the apostle, and to all who learn to willingly accept the limitations, the infirmities of life that the power of God might be more real to them personally, and that His grace might be reflected to others along the way. John Newton found the grace of God sufficient for his depraved soul, and his inhumane treatment of fellow men. The former slave ship captain, overwhelmed by a moment of deep appreciation for that abundant, sufficient grace penned, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound; that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see!” Truly, some of the sweetest people to be met in life are those who are infirmed: the blind, the deaf, the amputee or those blessed with severely limited mental abilities. For the most part such find faith in the Lord beyond initial salvation of the spirit. They trust Him in the course of life, and if nothing else at all, they evoke a moment of pause and praise as others breathe a prayer: “There, but for the grace of God go I!”

Please note the “to be” verb in the passage of scripture: “My grace IS sufficient.” He did not say it could be, or it shall be, but “is.” God is a very present help to those who call upon Him in repentant prayer. His grace is not sometimes, but always sufficient. It is by His grace that He pardons and cleanses from all sin. When one reflects on the experience of salvation, and the goodness found in living the resurrected life, he most likely will, like the psalmist, find a song in his heart similar to “Grace, grace, God’s grace; grace that is greater than all our sin.”

FOR THOUGHT: Dear reader, do you understand this? His grace is sufficient, but it must be accessed personally. Do you trust Him in every

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