2 Corinthians 12:8-9; The Power of Christ

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 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.

The power of answered prayers is given by the sufficient grace of God as God’s people subsist in weakness. In humble dependence our Lord Jesus says to His disciples, Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. The power of Christ unleashed by a simple asking. What a marvellous way to live. This is God’s way. Indeed, “… this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us” (1 John 5:14).

Prayer is the believer’s power with God. There is always recourse with God. Man may be helpless, but not our God. The burdens of life can often be so overwhelming at times that they threaten to rob the believer of his confidence in God’s ability to help him through yet another impasse. But when we ask, our text tells us, our request shall be met. This is the promise. This is the joy of asking.

There is needful supply of mercy and grace at God’s mercy seat, at the throne of grace, with Jesus. It’s there that our weak and often wounded souls are healed, strengthened, supplied, sped along in the paths of righteousness. Have we been too discouraged even to ask, too weak to knock, too faint to seek? Do not be, for there is an inexhaustible supply to meet our every need with Jesus. Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 22:28). Perhaps it has been the exacting demand in the work place, or is it in school, or at home that has taken toil on you? Will you lift up your eyes upon Jesus, from whence comes your true help!

It is in our time of weakness that the sanctified and tried heart is wont to experience the rest that come in Christ. Amen.