Wednesday: Sufficient Grace
Daily Lesson for Wednesday 3rd of June 2026
When we feel the weight of our sin and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to the foot of the cross, we should ask for God’s forgiveness, knowing that “the Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy” (Psalms 103:8, NKJV). This same verse was spoken by God Himself (Exodus 34:6) after His chosen nation had grieved Him.
Read Exodus 34:1-10. What crucial truth is found here?
The fact that the Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy is also the very reason Jesus died on the cross—so that our relationship with God could be made right again.
Image © Providence Collection from GoodSalt.com
It’s when we are willing to acknowledge and confess our sin; when we say, O, Lord, here I am again . . . “ ‘Be merciful to me a sinner!’ ” (Luke 18:13, NKJV), that Jesus—who has already been working in us and for us with the Holy Spirit before we even call out to Him—sees the weight and takes it from us. Our burdens are lifted at Calvary, and Jesus is surely very near when we come to Him and, even before, seeks us as the Good Shepherd and stands at the door and knocks (Revelation 3:20). Let’s not stay away from the Cross, looking at God from a distance. Let’s run to Jesus and exchange our sins and burdens for His righteousness (Zechariah 3:4).
Slowly read the following verses. Write in your own words what they tell you about God’s grace toward you:
- “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, NKJV).
- “But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:20-21, NKJV).
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“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NKJV). |
God is the main supplier of grace for every situation we face. He gives grace for illness, disappointments, losses, and financial strain. The Lord provides grace for our lack of wisdom and even our lack of social skills; grace for dealing with rebellious children or aging parents whose needs can be demanding. We carry many burdens—regrets, illnesses, habitual sins, and other obligations that constantly remind us that we may never measure up on our own. Yet it is precisely at such times that we come to know and experience the power of God, who gives grace to help us endure hardship, strengthens us when we struggle physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, and grants forgiveness unto salvation through Jesus Christ. As Scripture declares, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Likewise, we are encouraged to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
The notion that becoming a Christian guarantees blessings and stability in every area of life can be misleading. Certainly, when God grants such gifts, we ought to give thanks and praise, for “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). Yet God’s grace is equally present when the Christian life is marked by trials and suffering. It is mistaken to think that if we simply declare God’s blessing, our troubles will vanish; this is not the way of Christ. Such thinking seeks to avoid the cross, much like the devil tempted Jesus to do in the wilderness. We should carefully consider why God permitted Jesus to struggle and suffer, and in doing so find comfort for ourselves.
It is in these circumstances that we realize the devil, like a rabid dog on a leash, is restrained by God’s sovereign hand. Were he free to reign unchecked, there would be only destruction and death. Yet God’s grace limits Satan’s power so that even the evil intended to harm us cannot ultimately destroy us. Instead, God works all things together for the good of His called and chosen people (Romans 8:28). The afflictions by which Satan seeks to tear us down often become the very means by which God draws us closer to Himself and deepens our appreciation of the gift of eternal life that can never be taken away. As Jesus said, “Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:28). What Satan intends for harm, God sovereignly uses for our good and for His glory.
“Is God’s grace unlimited in its pursuit of sinners, or can a person reach a point where grace no longer strives with them?”
The Bible states that God’s grace is extremely persistent in pursuing sinners to repent. In fact, God pursues sinners long before they seek Him.
“The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10).
As noted in yesterday’s lesson, God’s grace precedes repentance, calls for repentance, and enables repentance. Actually, God is far more willing to save than sinners are willing to be saved. On the other hand, while God’s grace is sufficient to save every sinner, but people can resist grace. Jesus cried out, “How often I wanted to gather your children together… but you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37). As much as God’s grace is sufficient to save every sinner, God will not contend with sinners forever. “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever.” (Genesis 6:3). The Bible strongly states that a point comes when a sinner persistently hardens the heart, a point of no return is reached. At some point, God gives over to persistent rebellion (Romans 1).
Grace must be received. “Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6, NLT). No sinner is beyond the reach of God’s grace while he is willing to respond to the Holy Spirit.
Notice how in Romans 6:23 the wages, something that we earned through our disobedience, and our rebellion against God’s Kingdom principles, is contrasted by something that we cannot earn, a gift. Also the thing that we have worked so hard to earn; death, is contrasted by something that we didn’t deserve and was given as a gift; eternal life. The most amazing thing is that God took the initiative in saving us when we were at our worst. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NKJV).
“But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:20-21, NKJV). The very next verse clarifies any misunderstandings between sin and grace. “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?” Romans 6:1 What is Paul ‘s response? “By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” Romans 6:2
If you put a cold beer in the hand of a dead alcoholic and encourage him to have one for the road, will he do it? Of course not, because he’s dead. If we have truly died to sin then temptation will have no power over us, just like the dead alcoholic. The problem is that for too many of us, we only played dead and temptation revived our sinful nature.
This is why Paul said that he died daily. 1 Cor. 15:31. Not that he had a daily coronary, but that he crucified the old carnal nature every day. Every day he declared himself dead to sin and alive to Christ, and encourages us to do the same. Romans 6:11. Every day he was a dead man walking in the resurrection power of Christ. So too should we be, if we take this Christianity thing seriously.
Lord, live out yoùr life within me. Empower me to live the life you called me to live. When my old sinful nature rises up, help me to kick that “old man” back into the grave. Lord, live out your life within me. Change my passions and desires, my likes and dislikes to be aligned with yours. I ask this in Jesus’s Holy Name for your glory and my good. Amen!
” If you put a cold beer in the hands of a dead alcoholic and encourage him to have “one for the road,” will he do it? Of course not, because he’s dead. If we have truly died to sin the temptation will have no power over us, just like the dead alcoholic.”
Point clear, thank you Brother for that submission.
Did you you really die to sin ??? 🤷🤷🤷
“The problem is that too many of us, we only played dead and temptation revived our sinful natures”” 🤦🤦🙆
Question comes;
Should we then encourage individuals to be re-baptised/re-reborn again? 🤷
Brother, you ask a pertinent question that is between the individual and the Holy Spirit. If we witness evidence of backsliding, then I believe that we, as our brother’s keeper have a spiritual responsibility to lovingly and tactfully, yet privately go to that person and express our concern for their well-being. Not in an attitude of superiority or self-righteousness, but in true humility. As iron sharpens iron, so too should we encourage others on our journey towards the Promised Land.
This is so special. I gave myself time to let every moment first absorb into my heart because God’s grace is a beautiful gift. It’s sufficient, yes! But what does that exactly mean, really? Ever given this a thought?
It means it is available in the exact portion for each and every one of us, and since it’s favour, you and I never earned it, but God just offers it — abundantly.
That says a lot. It places you and me at an equal advantage. It places you and me in the equal love of God. It’s only that if you are fallen or returning, the gain looks larger; the advantage looks larger. And I guess that’s why, looking again into the story of the lost sons (or the prodigal son, as we commonly know it), when the prodigal son returns, everything looks big — the fattened calf, a feast, a public celebration, new shoes, and a signet ring.
Yes! That’s how it looks, but both the returning son and the one who stayed have equal advantage. In fact, the one who stays may have had more, but in-looking-out, we tend to feel that the “rescued” have received greater grace.
The truth is, God’s balance is so very perfect. Look at these texts again, Luke 15:31–32, and you’ll see where I am coming from. I quote:
God’s grace (if I may borrow words from the children’s story by Robert Southey) is not too small, neither too big, but it is just right for all of us.
God bless you.
Our need of God’s forgiveness of our sins is a constant matter because the temptations are overwhelming, though we try our best by God’s grace to overcome them. I am deeply grateful to God’s patience and His mercies that bring us back to Him.
We have all talked about grace from time to time throughout this quarter, even using the word in talking about the aspects of growing in Christ in this quarter to date. Because grace goes hand in hand with sin, turning to God with prayer in faith, talking to Him also through His word about the Gospel, confession, forgiveness, surrender, giving doubt or apprehension of whether or not we can be saved to Christ , letting Him do the saving, consecration, all the while rejoicing in Christ, all the while continuing to grow in Christ with faith., and thanking Him for the grace He has bestowed.
Romans 5:1-2, 3, 4, 5.
[1] Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. [2] Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. English Standard Version.
Indeed, grace is sufficient, because where sin is, grace is more abundant. All have signed and come short of the glory of God. Therefore, we all have room to grow in Christ, knowing that His steadfast love is enough.
Our Father in heaven let us continue to grow in you, so we never lose sight of you. Bless us oh our Saviour bless us, as we sit low at thy feet. Oh look down in love upon us, as we see Thy face so sweet. Give us Lord the mind of Jesus, make us holy as He is. May we prove we’ve been with Jesus, who is all our righteousness. 🙏
Thought question for the day are you comfortable with the grace given you, or are you paranoid(uncomfortable)? Your decision. Believe me, He will support you with the former decision. Grace is sufficient, giving us peace with God through faith in Him.
“… For it is an awesome thing that I will do with you – Exo.34:10. I think the most ‘awesome’ thing God has done and still does for mankind, is to extend His Grace to us, enabling us to become a new creation. Yes, God’s Nature – the essence of Who He IS -, decided to rescue fallen man from sin and death. He has done it with Israel’s children, and He will do it with everyone who comes to Him and asks.
In answer to Paul’s prayer, the LORD told him – “My Grace is sufficient for you” – 2. Cor.12:9. Included in every prayer, we can acknowledge the acceptance of His Grace to be sufficient for us. It is the only gift which truly improves our life. ‘Sufficient’ does not mean that there are other equally important things, but He witholds these because He is ‘mean’. No, He wants us to know that His Grace is all we need; that it covers all our needs, and that He is willing to extend it to us! He teaches us that His Grace is the most important aspect of our life.
All who live by faith in the Kingdom of God can now look at life through the prism of His Grace. His Grace has become the ‘adjuster’; it calibrates the emotional and intellectual responses to every experience in life – one can be “contend in all circumstances”. Is there anything more valuable in this world than Gods Grace enabling us to live in His Kingdom here on earth – Grace, His Gift to man for our Salvation? Matthew Chapter 13.
The only way we can overcome sin is to surrender completely to Jesus. He is the One who can forgive and also take away our responsibility for sinning. He was tempted much more than we are, but He proved Himself worthy of it.