Paul learned what thousands upon thousands of Godβs saints have learned from his day to ours: that it is often more blessed to experience Godβs grace in suffering than to enjoy deliverance from suffering, for in the former case we lean the harder and pray the more, and so are drawn closer to Him. Moreover, we find that His strength is made perfect in weakness and that when we are weak, then are we strong (II Cor. 12:9,10).
But even better things are in store for Godβs people: Some day, βin the ages to come,β God will display to all the universe βthe exceeding riches of His grace.β How will He do this? βIn His kindness toward us through Christ Jesusβ (Eph. 2:7).
Dear reader, have you accepted the grace of God in Christ Jesus? Do you believe that He loves you and that He βcame into the worldβ to bear all the blame and shame and punishment that was your due, so that you might be βjustified freely by His graceβ (Rom.Β 3:24)?
If not, will you take Him at His Word now and come to know the truth of II Cor.Β 4:15:
βFor all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.β
Whatever your past; however great or many your sins, take God at His Word. Believe that He loves you in spite of all. Believe that He has already provided the payment for your sins in Christ:
βIn whom we have redemption. through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His graceβ (Eph. 1:7). source
