Day 58

2 Corinthians 12-13

There are a couple of things that really jump out of the page in this chapter. First I love the example we get in Paul's life concerning his thorn in the flesh. Although, nobody really knows what it was, one thing we do know: God put that thorn on his flesh to remind him of God's mercy and grace, and to keep him humble. I love the fact that one of the greatest Christians of all times struggled with something in his life that kept him humble. Do you struggle with a particular thing or sin? Are you constantly tempted by the same thing over and over again? As frustrating as that might be, do not waist the opportunity that God is giving you to recognize that He's at work in your life. Use this an opportunity to remind yourself of what you would have been if Christ had not saved you. Think of the GRACE you have received in Jesus and how it has changed you. Think on how hopeless we are without Christ.
God told paul, "My grace is sufficient for you." Do you see the power in those words??? God is telling you the same thing, His grace, His gift for you is absolutely all you need. You don't have to go anywhere else to satisfy your thirst, come to Jesus the fountain of living waters and you will never thirst again. Think of how many times we go about our lives being unsatisfied with God's grace. We look for satisfaction in popularity, boys, girls, music, emotions, food,sex, power, etc. But God is saying, all you ever need you have in ME. God is enough for you! Apart from God you do not need anything else, are you satisfied in Him? or are you looking for satisfaction somewhere else?
One last thing, 2 Cor 13:5 tells us a rather hard truth, we have to test ourselves to see if we are saved or not. Have you ever wonder if you are truly saved or not? Paul told the Corinthians to test themselves to see if they were in the faith. Is there evidence of conviction and sanctification in your life? Is Jesus the most precious thing in your life? is there joy, hope, and peace in your soul? Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying you can loose your salvation. What Paul is saying is that an authentic faith has evidence to go with it. Does your faith have evidence?