How Partners deal with unbelief and doubt
| But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2Corinthians12:9) |
In our walk with Christ, we as believers, will often face many trials and see the suffering of humanity with lenses that zoom in on lost hope and lost joy. Unfortunately, this may often lead, not only to doubt, but also to unbelief. However, as we examine Paul's second letter to the Corinthian Church, focusing on chapter 12 verse 9, we are reminded of the sufficiency of God's grace and Christ's power as we navigate this fallen world.
In this letter we have a beautiful example of the tenderness of a spiritual shepherd who is sensitive to the needs of his flock. One of the clear needs was to address the meaning of Christian suffering; a topic many believers have struggled and wrestled with over the years, especially those in the ministry. This is where our knowledge and understanding of Who God is becomes vital, for it is in our knowledge and understanding of God that we come to know His grace through faith, which produces in us a sense of hope that goes against all odds. Charles Spurgeon once said, "Men will never become great in divinity until they become great in suffering."
For it is in our suffering, our weaknesses, that God's grace is made evident in our lives, for it is by the grace of God that we can proclaim boldly that this too shall pass. A boast not in our own strength, but in the power of Christ alone. And we would do well to remember God's word to the Ephesian Church, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith --- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God --- not by works, so that no one can boast."
Whether you are in ministry, out in the mission field, or simply navigating this world in your walk with Christ -- suffering, trials, and weakness is inevitable. But... it is in these times that we need to hold fast to the promise that God's grace is sufficient to see us through these times, we need to trust that Christ's power is far reaching, making even the weakest amongst us bold and fearless. So, my brother and sisters in Christ , I encourage you to run your race with endurance, trusting in the Lord and in His ways, knowing that His grace is sufficient and that in weakness Christs power rests on each of us. As Nelson Mandela said, "It always seems impossible until it's done."
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Graham Fryer, happily married to Joslyn, father of Caleb (with a little girl on the way). I am currently called to serve at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Lynnwood, Pretoria. Happy Missions and Reformation month. May God be with you.
