But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.   2 Corinthians 12:9

I get uncomfortable when I hear that God told Paul that he had asked enough about deliverance from his problem. But Paul needed to learn that God’s gracious strength and mercy were enough to sustain him even in trial. While I know I need to learn this same lesson, it is daunting. I want God to keep things nice and tidy for me. But then I remember I am a follower of Christ. If I am to learn from Paul’s lesson, to become more like my Savior I have to let go of my requirements on God’s answers and open up to God’s work to redeem others through me, no matter the personal cost. Only then can I truly know that his grace is sufficient for me!

Oh, how I love Paul’s response to his prayer not being answered in the way “he” wanted, “Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

We need to trust that God will only do those things that are best for us and His kingdom because He sees the future and we can only see right now.

Father God, thank You for answering my prayers according to Your will, not mine. Thank You for taking all my weaknesses and turning them into Your strength in my life. Help me to continue to serve You well as long as You give me breath, for Your glory. I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lord, Thy will be done! I know I ask in my prayer from my point of view. But you know what is best for your kingdom. As a child of God, how can I ask for anything else? I want my friends and family that are sick to be comforted and healed. I want those around me that have not been saved to find Christ in their heart. But only you know what is best and in Your time for Your kingdom. Today I ask that Thy Will Be Done as deep in my soul I know it is best for me and those around me. Your plan is best Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen