God of Grace

by Brian Kim, Parent and Family Support Coordinator

But the Lord said, “My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.” So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ERV)

This week we’ll look at 2 Corinthians 12 and encouraging our children to see their need for God’s grace.

Devotion: God of Grace

Gather your family and talk about the idea of grace: what does it mean to you? (allow for some discussion) It can mean a few things, the kind of grace we are going to talk about today is the one God gives us when we are dealing with hard things and go to Him for help.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the apostle Paul says: “But the Lord said, ‘My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.’ So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me.” Paul suffered a lot in his life. He was beat up a few times, put in jail, shipwrecked three different times and has been hungry, tired and lonely. But, he kept going and doing good work, how do you think he did it? Do you think he relied on his strength, his smarts or his talents? What about money, did he buy lots of new stuff or a big home to feel comfortable and safe? What was his special trick then?

Yes, the Bible tells us that he relied on God’s grace in times where he felt weak. By remembering that grace and receiving it, Paul was also able to make sure the power of Christ stayed in him.

Are there areas of your life where you feel weak or helpless? Let’s think and talk about it, we’ll make a short list together, then ask God to give us strength to keep living as citizens of God’s Kingdom with love and goodness.

If you need help thinking of areas where you feel weak, consider these questions:

What makes you feel sad?

What makes you frustrated?

Do you ever feel like you can’t do something?

Then, make a short list of points of weakness and pray together, thanking God that He is with us even in times where we feel weak (feel free to fill in this with specific areas on your list) and His grace is enough for us to keep growing and choosing to follow the way of Jesus, even when it is hard.