Daily Devotional

A decorative plaque resides on my piano that says, “My grace is sufficient for you.” I have walked by this  and glanced at the words scores of times. Today I stop. My attention is riveted to the words. Today I stop  because I need this. My sister is struggling with a health crisis (that eventually took her life.) Locating my precious Bible, I open it up to the passage and sink into a comfy chair. I have the impression something  important is happening. My thoughts are directed to the verse. I ponder each phrase:
 
“My grace…”:
The giver of this grace is Almighty God. He is the source of all power and strength. My heart confirms that I am the opposite. I am so very weak.
 
“…is sufficient”:
God’s grace is enough. It is complete; it is full; it is all I need. My heart confirms that I am insufficient. My power is nothing; it is limp; it is empty. I can try   and fool myself and everyone else that I have the power to help people, but it is a lie. I am insufficient; He is not!
 
“…for you…”:
God is reaching out to me. He is focusing on my need. My heart confirms that, in childlike ways, I too often say, “Me do it!” My Heavenly Father reaches out to me  anyways.

“…for my power is made perfect in weakness.”:  
My absolute weakness gives God an opportunity to reveal His glory. What a  beautiful contrast—my weakness vs. God’s power. My heart confirms: I accept His  grace and His power. I am so in love with my God. My desire is to allow Him to  use my weakness to glorify Him.
 
I snuggle down even deeper in my chair. Yes, I am weak, but, He is powerful. Through His power  I can serve those I love. Amen!

For Parents and Grandparents:

1. Help your children memorize 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient.” Teach them the meaning of the words.
   
   
2. Have a contest of strength with your kids—a game that you can use to compare your kids’  strength with yours (e.g., sit-ups, pull-ups, arm-wrestling). “God is stronger than any of us!”
   
   
3. Have a contest that involves lifting. When your kids struggle to lift it, you come alongside and help them. Connect this illustration to the verse. God wants to help us with our problems.