"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."" Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
As we concentrate on our Lord’s requirement to put kingdom ahead of family, it seems to me to be a most unbearable strain. Our Lord condemns those who place burdens on people’s backs without lifting a finger to help (Lk11:46), and He promises that if we come to Him, He will give us rest (Mt11:28) - and so I want to remind all of us that no matter what family situation we find ourselves in, His grace is available for us to help us in what really seems to be an impossible situation.
It is hard for us in in our gospel saturated society to really understand the culture that the Christians were in, to whom Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 7. The news stories from Sudan about the lady who converted from Islam to Christianity and married a Christian give us some insight into the culture 2,000 years ago. These disciples of Christ were in difficult situations and Paul was giving them wisdom to help them make decisions about following their Lord and their responsibilities in their family life.
We aren’t facing life and death in Canada, but many people in Canada, and actually in Parkdale, face severe opposition from their spouses, parents and friends, because of their commitment to our Lord and Saviour. They face family members who tell them that any decisions that they make placing discipleship above family, proves that they hate their family. The pressure is very acute and the burden is heavy. Friend, remember what the LORD taught the Israelites: He led them into need so that they could learn dependence upon Him and Him alone. Paul learned this lesson as well; 3 times he pleaded (Paul was a man of faith and apostolic power) and 3 times the Lord refused to change the situation, but instead promised His grace and His power so that Paul could endure and even thrive.
Oh friend - His grace is enough!
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