It is true that depravity exists, and it is contrary to God’s will; but so great is His wisdom and power, that all things which seem adverse to His purpose do still tend towards those just and good ends and issues which He Himself has foreknown (Augustine of Hippo).
I mentioned this prayer a few weeks ago in a sermon in reference to living in a Plan B world. If Plan A is the Garden of Eden, then Plan B is the world we live in which is filled with less than God’s ideal. However, that doesn’t mean God has written off this world. In fact, just as God walked beside Adam and Eve, He does the same with us. This is grace and God’s grace is sufficient.
The Apostle Paul had a thorn in his flesh. This physical infirmity was debilitating to the point that Paul prayed multiple times for it to be healed (at least 3 times). He wasn’t healed but he did receive something from God that was transformative. He received God’s grace that in his weakness, he was given strength.
There will be many thorns in life and God’s grace is the remedy to each and every thorn. Even in the face of weakness, there can be strength with God’s grace-filled presence. 2 Corinthians 12:10, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
I mentioned this prayer a few weeks ago in a sermon in reference to living in a Plan B world. If Plan A is the Garden of Eden, then Plan B is the world we live in which is filled with less than God’s ideal. However, that doesn’t mean God has written off this world. In fact, just as God walked beside Adam and Eve, He does the same with us. This is grace and God’s grace is sufficient.
The Apostle Paul had a thorn in his flesh. This physical infirmity was debilitating to the point that Paul prayed multiple times for it to be healed (at least 3 times). He wasn’t healed but he did receive something from God that was transformative. He received God’s grace that in his weakness, he was given strength.
There will be many thorns in life and God’s grace is the remedy to each and every thorn. Even in the face of weakness, there can be strength with God’s grace-filled presence. 2 Corinthians 12:10, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
This Week’s Readings:
- Monday – Ephesians 6
- Tuesday – Philippians 1
- Wednesday – Philippians 2
- Thursday – Philippians 3
- Friday – Philippians 4
Please Pray for:
- Families in crisis.
- Loved ones battling illness.
- Those seeking to find their way.
- The St. Paul Church family and our ministries.
- The United Methodist Church family.
- Our leaders, our country, and our world.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6