Burke County, NC
Authors often use various types of literary devices to add color and enhance understanding. In some cases, authors may engage in comparisons to illustrate a particular truth. Another literary device that is often used is that of paradox. Simply put, a paradox expresses a truth but does so in a way that appears contradictory.
For example, people have often said, “The only constant is change.” Another example is “Less is more.” These statements express truths in what appears to be a contradictory manner. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul provides his readers with another paradox: great strength is experienced in great weakness. Experiencing this reality necessitates that one is truly confident in the sufficiency of God’s grace.
In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul described a unique experience he had when he was unexpectedly snatched up to the third heaven. One who reads 2 Corinthians 12:1-6 may be surprised at the lack of detail Paul expressed and his inability to repeat what he heard. Recognizing the danger of pride, God graciously gave him a thorn in the flesh to avoid the pitfall of pride.
Scholars have endlessly debated the identity of the thorn in the flesh, but we must be content to let the text remain silent on its exact nature. Whatever it was, it appears to be a persistent battle that Paul perceived to be a hindrance to his ministry. Therefore, he asked the Lord on three occasions to remove it, yet his request was denied. We must note that a denied request is not equivalent to an unanswered request.
In response, God assured him with words that are of immeasurable comfort: “My grace is sufficient.” This statement has been cited and quoted countless times, but let me ask you if you truly believe God’s grace is sufficient?
It is one thing to quote it; I would argue it is entirely different to truly accept it and respond accordingly. Logic necessitates that something regarded as sufficient needs nothing more. If it requires more, it must be considered insufficient.
Believers often claim that God’s grace is sufficient, yet they need God’s grace and a positive answer to prayer. What if all you had to depend upon was the grace of God? Would it still be sufficient for you?
Understanding that God’s grace is sufficient is a necessary key to developing and maintaining a positive attitude in what God directs into our lives. Paul made a conscious decision on how he would respond to these trials, a reality that we must all face.
You and I are both responsible for how we choose to respond to what God is doing in our lives. Rather than complaining, Paul said, “I take pleasure in” or “I delight in” a list of things that would make most people cringe.
How can Paul say that?
The answer is simple: Paul was convinced that all he needed was God’s sustaining grace. Such a mindset would find divine strength in the presence of personal weakness.
The question we need to consider is this: Do I really believe God’s grace is sufficient for me? Or do I need God’s grace in addition to something else?
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Dan Qurollo is the pastor of Morganton Baptist Church. You can visit them online at www.morgantonbaptist.net, on Facebook, or on Youtube.
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