God's Answer is Grace

⁷To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. ⁸Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. ⁹But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. ¹⁰That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 is a commonly used passage, nevertheless, it was an answered prayer for me - the reminder and encouragement I had been looking for. Pastor Barry preached on how everyone has their thorns and, as the saying goes, that "The church is not a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners." Moreover, in Greek, the word in place of "thorn" was closer in definition to "stake." Like Paul, while we may plead desperately for God to remove certain sins and save us from specific situations, God's answer for us is Grace. And if you have an inkling of an understanding of what God's Grace truly is then you will understand that God's Grace is sufficient. In fact, Paul rejoiced in his hardships because God's Grace is that amazing.

So even though I don't like the situation right now I just pray that His Grace will overflow in me. And when I struggle with my thorns, may I come before Jesus on the cross, remembering that He wore a crown of thorns for our sake. In other words, it's not suppose to be easy, but God's Grace makes it possible.

Also, Pastor Barry talked more about the Boston Church Plant today, in bringing up the passage from 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 concerning Grace, he reminded the congregation of the origins of our church's name. 'Grace Covenant Church' came from the understanding that it was only by God's Grace and covenant love that GCC has come as far as it has. Pastor Young said he never imagined that 14 years later GCC would have three sites, have planted a church in Atlanta 5 years ago, and now to plant another church in Boston. (And I have faith that Pastor Barry is going to be an amazing lead pastor for the new church.) Even after hearing the story a couple of times, it's still inspiring to hear how GCC has grown and planted other sites and churches. Also, praise God that even before the University City site took offering today for the Boston Church Plant, that we've already reached 75% of the $100,000 goal. And the Temple and Mainline sites will be doing their offering for the church plant next week.

Like Pastor Young said today, it's God's church, He will take care of it, we're simply along for the ride. So for those who will be heading to Boston for college this coming fall, or know people who will be doing so, feel free to contact me about being a part of this Boston church plant! Also, for more information concerning the Boston Church Plant (GCC's goals, mission, etc.), click here.