Sufficient Grace  

 “You know it was because of a physical infirmity

that I first announced the gospel to you.”

Galatians 4:13

          Sometimes people say, “If you have your health; you have everything”, but most of the time we don’t think much about it. We take it for granted. Only when we are sick or have received a serious diagnosis do we start to pay attention. If the illness is bad enough it will soon consume all of our thoughts. It can affect our spirits as well. 

          The Apostle Paul had a physical problem that was so severe it inhibited his missionary travels. That’s why he preached the gospel in Galatia. He couldn’t travel anywhere else at that time. We don’t know the specific nature of his problem, but most believe it affected his sight. His reference in verse 15 concerning their willingness to give him their own eyes, and his “large print” salutation at the end of the letter indicates that he had some problem with his vision.

          His response to that handicap was probably the same as anyone who faces this kind of challenge. He prayed and prayed persistently. “Three times I appealed to the Lord about this thorn in the flesh that it would leave me.” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)  God’s response was not what he was looking for.  Paul wanted to see clearly, but God said instead, “My grace is sufficient for thee, my power is made perfect in your weakness.” Paul would have to learn to live with this particular disability. 

          That’s what he did.  His spirit was not trampled by the limitations of his body. His ministry was hindered, but his faith was not crushed. He really did seem to believe that “God’s grace would be sufficient.” He continued to preach “Good News” and may even have been more effective in reaching people who had problems like his own. They would know he understood what they were going through and that can make a big difference. 

          When facing a serious illness there are two spiritual paths one can follow. You can get angry with God and go it alone, or you can turn to the Lord and ask his help and comfort even when you do not understand why and the pain seems too great. When the body fails all we can do is turn to God if we are to find any hope at all. 

     David cried out to you O Lord and you answered his prayer and “increased the strength of his soul.” (Psalm 138:3)  So do I call upon you for encouragement and hope and for “your very present help in times of trouble.” Through Jesus Christ the great physician I pray.  Amen.