God's Grace Saves Us from Ourselves

Every individual is subject to weaknesses in life, which can be the source of sorrow and regret. Internal conflict demands difficult choices that may leave you feeling frustrated and defeated in mind and spirit. That God does not promise us freedom from tests and temptations can be troubling. 

Abraham, the Old Testament patriarch, failed to successfully manage his internal impulses concerning his wife Sarah. The compulsion to please Sarah when she pressured him to have a child with her maidservant, rather than trusting in God’s promise, would affect his peace and well-being for the rest of his life.

Like us, Abraham failed at regulating his thoughts and behaviors. This does not mean God has abandoned us when we fail to self-regulate. Unavoidable trials and temptations can strengthen our confidence and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. To realize God’s grace is sufficient to save us from defeat instills courage to press onward toward his purpose for us. 

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 [Christ’s] reply has been, “My grace is enough for you; for where there is weakness, my power is shown more completely.” Therefore I have cheerfully made up my mind to be proud of my weaknesses, because they mean a deeper experience of the power of Christ.

~2 Corinthians 12:9 Phillips – The New Testament in Modern English