2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." That was told to Paul by Jesus when he asked him three times to remove his 'thorn in the flesh.' It was probably some health concern, poor eyesight maybe, that inflicted Paul and he asked to be healed. Paul believed that he would be able to be a more effective messenger for Jesus if he wasn't afflicted. The answer that Jesus gave Paul probably wasn't what he was looking for, but it was sufficient. The answer from Jesus was that HE was enough. Throughout the years of my life I have wondered what it would be like to not have Marfan syndrome. I wouldn't have over five feet of scars across my chest and side. The dozen scars from where the chest tubes have been removed wouldn't exist. |
The "What if's" in life could drive a person crazy!
I have been drawn to this portion of Scripture for many years. In chapter 11 of 2 Corinthians, Paul goes through a whole list of the physical and emotional scars that he has experienced while preaching the Gospel. The list puts our trials to shame. Shipwrecks. Beaten with rods. Stoned. Whipped. Sleepless nights. This list is extensive and painful to even read. Despite all those things happening to him because of his dedication to Christ, he never gave up. He asked for deliverance, but Jesus said My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
I don't look at the what if's anymore. I can't change the past. I have been created how God wants me to be and even during the tough times I know that God's grace is sufficient for me. Even in my weakness, my pain, his grace is enough and I am strong through Him.
Don't dwell in the "What if's". Be content with who you are and where God has you. When God calls you to something big and you don't know how you can do it, remember it's not you but Him. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13