Sufficient

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

Last week, I was praying for a situation that I have prayed for many times over the years. At the end of my prayer, I very clearly heard the answer, “No. But keep praying.” For a moment, I just sat there stunned at God’s response. What I was praying for was something that would make a person’s life better. It was something that I felt God would definitely approve of and want for that person as much or more than I did. If the answer was no, then why did God want me to keep praying? In my confusion, I continued my quiet time with God and began reading my daily devotional that was titled “Sufficient.” How appropriate for that exact moment.

The devotional read: “My Savior is sufficient for me today and every day. Whatever the struggle, whatever the burden, His grace is enough. His power is sufficient for my weakness, His provision is sufficient for my needs, and His joy is sufficient for my soul.” The Lord knows every detail of this situation, every hurt, every prayer, every emotion that it creates, and He will be with me, is with me, and will walk me through in ways I never expected.

He already knows the choices this individual will make and their outcome. He has given us free agency and desires that we would choose wisely. That’s when I understood His answer of No. He knows the outcome even while He never stops desiring His best for us. So why would He still tell me to pray for something different?

Because continuing to pray for God’s will in the life of this individual will keep my heart in the right place, it will keep it from becoming hard, bitter, angry, and resentful when I don’t see change. It teaches me to be like-minded with Christ and never cease praying for them and desiring God’s best for their lives.

God never gives up on me when I make choices that do not honor Him, and I should do the same for this person. I have already noticed a difference in our relationship because of this new understanding, and I’m also experiencing peace and hope in my soul that wasn’t present before. The situation hasn’t changed, but my heart has. Thank you, Lord! You are more than enough.