July 8 | 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
- Beth Voltmann
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Sufficient Grace, Perfect Power
By Beth Voltmann
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you,
for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
These are the words of Jesus Christ to Paul of Tarsus. Much of the content of Paul’s two letters to the believers in Corinth carry the promise that Christ is enough. We should strive to truly understand his Spirit-inspired writings in our own relationships with Jesus, both individually and corporately. What did Paul mean by concluding, “For when I am weak, then I am strong”? (v. 10b)
May I suggest that while training those new to the faith, Paul was implying that God’s grace is a bonding agent. “Bonding agents strengthen structures by acting as a high-strength ‘glue’ that...fuses new materials to old,” according to Google wisdom. Can we apply this definition to the role that Christ’s grace and power play in our lives?
Consider a verse from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians:
“But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.”
(1 Corinthians 6:17)
The words “united to” (NIV) or “joined to” (KJV) come from the Greek word kollaō meaning “to glue together, cement, fasten together.” (Strong’s G2853)
Once known for his personal prestige and power, Paul gladly gave up all on the day he met the risen Lord. On the road to Damascus he fell to his knees, humbled his heart, and forever bonded his life to Jesus. Paul recognized that strength comes from unity with Christ. He modeled that believers can remain steadfast in this life solely through the grace and power of our Lord Jesus.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to
show that this all-surpassing power is
from God and not from us.”
(1 Corinthians 4:7)
Did his troubles cease? No. In his own words, he admitted that he was: imprisoned, flogged, beaten, stoned and shipwrecked - constantly on the move - in danger from rivers, bandits, fellow Jews, Gentiles, and false believers in the city, in the country, and at sea - he labored and toiled, went without sleep, and found himself hungry, thirsty, cold and naked. (2 Cor. 11:23-33)
Yet...he boasted in his weaknesses! Why? Because Jesus reassured him, “My grace is sufficient.”
Accordingly, we must be bonded to Jesus if we hope to be strong for each new day. We are but fragile jars of clay - the grace and power come from Christ Jesus alone. His power is made perfect in our weakness. He is sufficient. His power is perfect.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
Teach us to receive your grace as our daily bread. Whatever may come – whatever you may ask of us – we will trust in your perfect power. You are enough. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BETH VOLTMANN
After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.
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