ALWAYS WORKS OUT IN THE END

Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 CORINTHIANS 12: 9

Most movies, stories, books, TV shows, etc. all go with the same template of introduction of the stories and characters, then much drama and conflict is introduced, then it all works out in the end. I have always thought, that as this hard-headed Christian that I am and profess to be, I get bogged down in the conflict part and forget about the all works out in the end part.

I have seen the kids of good friends just wail and holler over a broken toy. Their world is now over since their favorite toy is no longer playable. How quick, though, are those tears dried up when a newer, flashier toy is introduced. The old broken one is soon forgotten.

Are we, as Christians, not much different from the child?

I have complained openly to God before saying “God, why did you let this happen?”

“You don’t love me as much as so and so”

God replies as a parent would to the child with the broken toy….”it will be okay.”

But I argue ..”it will not be ok….this has only happened to me…it has never been as bad as it is for me right now”…”you don’t understand God”……

God says, “it will be okay”….”when have I ever broken a promise?”

But still, I lash out and cry in anger. Still He says .”.It will be okay…you will see”

Paul has what he called a “thorn in the flesh.” We are not sure what it was but it was bad. He asked God 3 times to take away his affliction. God replied, “”My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”

Paul went on to say in the 2nd half of today’s verse …”So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. “

Paul got his perspective top down from heaven instead of from us to heaven. Paul said many times that, yes things are hard, but I will still rejoice. God’s promise is to work all things together for good. ALL THINGS…..for good. Did you catch that? Say it again…ALL THINGS….FOR GOOD!

He doesn’t necessarily make a bad thing a good thing. But he does say despite the bad thing, good will come!!!

“Don’t give up at half time. Concentrate on winning the second half.”—Paul Bear Bryant