Reading: “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthian 12:9 

Thought: Nothing will be expected of me in the will of God but that his grace and power will be sufficient for me to carry it out (2 Corinthians 12:7-9; 2 Timothy 16-17).

Meditation: I may be given some hard trial, or heavy burden this year, or be faced with a difficult task. I may cry with David “O Lord, how long?” (Psalm 6:3) or “enough already,” with Paul (2 Corinthians 12:8). I might think that the task is too great and the road too crooked or rough, but He who gave the task and ordained the road, has power to accomplish. The effectual call contains in it the power to respond, so too the working out of my salvation (Philippians 2:12-13).

God reveals His power in me by giving me more than I can handle. When I’ve got more than I can handle, I’ve drained all my energy and exhausted all my options and I throw myself on His mercy, I’m in the right place. There I find grace and learn again what I often forget—life begins with the death of self.

This “thought” is taken from the outline of a message preached by pastor Habib Sakr at Grace Chapel, Markham (31st December 2016).