Are we
beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters
of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on
our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from
Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of
the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such
confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in
ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but
of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.1
Paul never
claimed to be able to accomplish all that God had called him to do. Rather, he
learned to look beyond his own limitations toward the sufficiency of Christ.
We, too, can find hidden blessings in our weaknesses.
Our limitations
lead us to God. When we recognize that a situation is beyond our capacity, we
can turn to Him through Bible reading and prayer for guidance and power.
Recognizing our need moves us to depend on divine power. God never intended for
us to face the trials of life alone. We are only sufficient when we draw on the
strength of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in us.
By using
ordinary people, God demonstrates His power. He delights in choosing those who
seem least capable. There is no limit to what He can accomplish with those who
submit to Him.
Acknowledging
our need challenges our faith. Paul says our competence is from God (1
Corinthians 3:5). Those who trust in this promise and step in obedience will
grow in faith. Allow the Lord to work through your life: trust Him and allow
Christ to live in you. He will replace your anxiety with contentment.
Suggested
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in my inadequacy there is
blessing. Thank You that insufficiency teaches me that You alone are
sufficient. Thank You that by recognizing my need, it impels me to depend on
Your divine power. Thank You, Lord, that I can say: Jesus Christ is enough! In the
name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
1. 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 (NIV).
The Encounter
for today was written by: Rosina N.