From God comes…
From God comes sufficiency. A definition of sufficiency is to have an adequate amount of something, especially something essential.
The world wants us to be self-sufficient. There is nothing wrong with working hard, taking care of ourselves, or learning to deal with problems. God expects us to put forth effort to succeed, sustain, and survive. However, our quality of life ultimately comes from being able to rely on God. When we face disappointment, discouragement, or dilemmas, our best course of action is to look to God and surrender to His will.
The apostle Paul had some sort of infirmity that he felt hindered him from serving God more effectively. So, he asked God several times to remove it. God had other plans. He did not remove it, but instead said, “My grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Through God’s grace we have forgiveness, acceptance, and a relationship with a loving God. This relationship gives us everything we really need in life—and even in death.
God goes on to say that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. God wants us to rely totally on Him. Paul found that God’s grace was indeed sufficient for him, even in the midst of pain and discomfort. God can be glorified regardless of our circumstances.
Self-sufficient people have no room for God’s grace to shine through. God wants us to acknowledge our human deficiencies and rely on Him. Without God, we can’t really do anything of great value. (John 15:5) However, through Christ, we can do whatever God wants us to do. (Philippians 4:13) Our sufficiency comes from God. (2 Corinthians 3:5-6)
“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God…”
~James 1:17 (NLT)
