Insufficiency Can Be a Hidden Blessing
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.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.