Grace Sufficient for You

"My grace is sufficient for you." II Corinthians 12:9

God spoke these words to Paul who said that he had sought God for deliverance or relief from what he called a thorn in the flesh which was evidently very painful to him. Paul never specifies what the pain was whether physical or mental/spiritual. He just wanted it removed and God said no or not at this time but in the midst of this struggle that God's grace would be provided to Paul and it would be sufficient. Charles Spurgeon commented on this verse saying:

"If none of God's saints were poor and troubled, we would never know the comfort of God's grace. When we find a wanderer with nowhere to lay his head, who still says, "I will keep trusting in the Lord"; when we see a pauper starving on bread and water, who still glories in Jesus; when we see a bereaved widow overwhelmed with grief, who still has faith in Christ, what honor it reflects on the gospel! God's grace is illustrated and magnified in the poverty and trials of believers. God's chosen ones bear up under every discouragement. They know that all things work together for good, that out of apparent evil will ultimately arise something good. They expect their God to work -- either to quickly get them out of their troubles or to support them as long as the troubles last. The patience of the saints proves the power of divine grace.
    There is a lighthouse out in the middle of the sea. It is a calm night. I can't tell whether the lighthouse is firmly built. But when a storm rages around it, then I know how sturdy it is. So it is with the Spirit's workmanship in building us. If we never had to face storms, we would never know how strong the Spirit has made us. The masterworks of God are those people who stand firm in the midst of difficulties.
    The person who wants to glorify God can count on facing many trials. No one can truly shine for Christ without enduring many conflicts. So if you have a difficult path, rejoice in it. You are demonstrating the all sufficient grace of God. Will God ever fail you? Don't even dream of it -- hate that thought. The God who has been sufficient until now should be trusted to the end."

I like what I read from Sarah Young in Jesus Always and I paraphrase.
Joy is not dependent on the circumstances in your life. Joy can transcend them all. Sick -- and even dying -- people can also be joyful when they're trusting in Jesus as Savior, Lord, and Friend. Seek to spread joy in the world around you. Let Jesus' light reflect from your demeanor. The Holy Spirit will equip you to do this as you give Him space in your life. Ask Holy Spirit to work divine joy in your life.

The Bible teaches that God will keep in perfect peace the person whose mind is stayed on God, because they trust in God. (Isaiah 26:3)

May you know the all sufficient grace of God in your life living with divine joy and peace no matter the circumstances. It is what I seek.