“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.‘“ – 2 Corinthians 12:8-9a
Quite often the best answer God gives to our prayers isn’t to give us what we want, but to give us more of Him! We often treat God like a cosmic Santa Claus who gives us whatever we ask for. He is not. He is far better!
For those who love and pursue Him in Christ, He teaches us that there’s nothing better or more precious than a closer and deeper relationship with Him. Often the struggles we face in this life aren’t simply obstacles To overcome, but invitations to experience God’s grace more richly and fully every moment of every day.
As we continue to slog through 2020, remember that one of God’s greatest apostles was denied what he desperately prayed for. Nonetheless, Paul had the wisdom to understand that what God gave him instead was infinitely better.
Seek the grace, love, and power of God every day. Pursue Him daily by reading and meditating on His Word, praying, and worshiping (both publicly and privately). Cry out to Him honestly and find your true strength and satisfaction not in physical health or material wealth, but in the person, presence, and power of Christ in you!