“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work….
“Though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…
“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.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong…
“Christ is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.” 2 Corinthians 9:8; 10:3-5; 12:8-10; 13:3-4
From the moment Paul laid down his bent to destroy God’s message and people, the enemy who had to relinquish him attacked his newfound faith. Though formerly driven by misguided self-determination, the rest of his days on earth were on mission to keep and proclaim the Lord’s truth in His strength alone. His sovereign and loving God so orchestrated his circumstances to remind him only God’s power triumphs over weakness and evil and ultimately vanquishes the enemy. (John 10:10)
Since Eden, man has proved his weakness of flesh, and the promise of God given there in response is that He is enough. His power will triumph over this sting and folly and curse. The outworking of this flesh struggle here below succeeds by a constant tethering to heaven. Until we turn in our earthly garb we wrestle, but always with Christ in us, the certain hope of freedom and glory. (Genesis 3:9-19; Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 1:27)
Considering worldwide conflicts, broken cultures, decayed morals, we observe the myriad displays of tension between flesh and the Almighty. When we commit to live for Christ we step in the fray. We might often feel we’re on the losing side because of worldly pressures, caustic attacks, or physical or mental weakness, but we must remember the One on our side is greater than the foe. Jesus stands as defender now and risen victorious Savior forever. (2 Kings 6:17; Romans 8:31-34; 1 John 4:4)
What stubbornness or pride keeps us contending with the flesh on our own? How many failures will it take to realize our self-determination and will power are no match for the prince of the air, and only God can defeat the enemies of our souls? In grace the Lord reveals riddling weakness and allows defeat to prove His sufficiency and care.
We are prone to wander and snipe and fall. The enemy onslaught is piercing and formidable. But God is Lord of lords, our immovable fortress and valiant warrior.
Lord, help me be faithful in the fight while trusting Your power alone for victory. (1 Chronicles 29:11-13)
As the rain and snow 