When Paul was facing his pain God did not leave Paul to “walk it off” so to speak. Instead of taking away Paul’s pain, God gave Paul his grace. He told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you.” What did God mean by that? God would give Paul the power to overcome his pain.
Grace is an interesting word. It can mean to conduct oneself in a composed and appropriate way; to be graceful. For example; she descended the stairs with grace and dignity. Or he conducted the meeting with grace. On a much more profound level it refers to the unmerited favor of God. Steward Briscoe defined grace this way. Mercy is not receiving the punishment you deserve. Grace is receiving the benefits you don’t deserve. When God told Paul that His grace would be sufficient He was saying that He would provide the resources that Paul didn’t have to meet the challenge Paul was facing. As Paul trusted that grace he could then conduct himself in an appropriate, God-honoring way.
By trusting God in the face of his pain, the power of God was demonstrated in Paul’s life. It was evident to all around Paul that his ability to handle the pain came from outside of himself. Paul became a living example of the grace of God at work. Instead of being bitter he could rejoice. Instead of giving up the race he was able to keep on running.
Derek Redmond had a dream of winning an Olympic gold medal. At the age of 19 he had shattered the British 400 meter record. His dream was put on hold when just 10 minutes before the start of the 400 meter race at the 1988 games in Seoul he had to withdraw due to an Achilles tendon injury. Five surgeries and much rehab later he was ready to compete at the 1992 games in Barcelona.
The day came for the preliminaries for the 400 meters. The top four runners from the two semi-final heats would advance to the finals and compete for the gold. Derek was confident as he approached the starting line. The race went well for Derek and it looked like he would easily qualify for the finals. With 175 meters left to go Derek heard a loud pop then stumbled. Grabbing his leg began hopping toward the finish line. Then he fell to the track in pain. The medical staff rushed to assist him but he pushed them away. He was determined to finish the race. Suddenly a figure came running out of the stands. It was his father Jim. Jim helped Derek to his feet, and then with his arm slung across his father’s shoulders, they made their way to the finish line.
What a powerful image of the grace of God. When we stumble and fall, when pain immobilizes us, our Father comes to pick us up. By His strength we are able to continue the race. The pain may not be gone, but the power to overcome is there. All we have to do is lean on Him.
God always gives us what we need to handle the pain. The thing we need more than anything else is His presence. Throughout the scriptures God repeats a promise to all who face the struggles and hardships of life. I will be with you. When Abraham left his home and headed for the Promised Land God assured him I will go with you. When Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt God promised him I will be with you. When Joshua stood on the shore of the Jordan River God promised him I will be with you. And when Jesus’ disciples faced the challenge of building the church Jesus promised I will be with you even to the end of the age. God has not gone back on His promise. When we find ourselves headed into the storm Jesus assures us I will be with you.
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