Paul's Prayer of Grace
Series: Prayers from the Bible
October 30, 2022
Frank Foreman
Praying to God can admittedly sometimes leave us feeling frustrated and disheartened. Many of us, at one time or another, have prayed sincere prayers in the hope of receiving that for which we had prayed--a job during a time of unemployment, healing from a health issue, deliverance from a desperate situation, etc. ---------- It is understandable that in those moments where answers don't readily seem to come in the time or way we had hope, we can lose heart and our faith can wane or be tested. ---------- Such is the prayer of the Apostle Paul that we will focus on this Sunday. As he prays for God to remove the "thorn in his flesh," he gets a clear message that, for now, God's grace will be sufficient for him to endure whatever suffering this is causing for him.
Episode Notes
1st Peter 3:17, For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
Big Idea: God’s grace is enough for any suffering I may face….
I will trust God in my suffering, for when I am weak He is strong.
1. God uses suffering to humble me.
2nd Corinthians 12:7, So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
1st Peter 5:6-8, Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
2. God uses suffering to draw me close.
2nd Corinthians 12:8, Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
Joshua 1:9, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
3. God uses suffering to display His grace.
2nd Corinthians 12:9a, But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
John 1:16-17, For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Next Step: Pray about the “thorns” in your life…. Seek God’s grace to strengthen you.
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