And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything that you need, you may excel in every good work. (2 Cor 9:8 CSB)
I read this text today during my quiet time, and it struck me as the promise I needed in that moment. To be quite transparent, the context is one of giving. Paul is encouraging the Corinthian believers to follow through on their promise to give generously to the support of other struggling churches. He reminds them that the gifts they give are the result of God’s overflowing grace, and that God supplies all we need; He supplies what we need for ourselves, and He also supplies what we need to excel in giving to others. We must remember that it is not us giving, but God giving through us. We don’t look at our resources and decide whether to give or not; instead, we look to Him and give regardless.
However, what struck me this morning was the use of “every.” This is not only a promise for sacrificial giving, but for our lives. He makes every grace overflow to us, and we have everything we need in every way, so we can excel in every good work. I am leaning into the “every” today. I must finish writing a textbook this summer, and I am a little overwhelmed. My co-authors and I have contracts, deadlines, and commitments, and I often question if I am up to the task. Yet, the “every” in this verse tells me that there is grace for my task, and in Him I have everything I need. There is even grace from Him to help me excel in this work, and it can be good work. Forgive me for being slow to write devotions these days. My mind and writing have been employed elsewhere, but I hope that this little thought and focus on the “every” will lift your spirit for whatever challenge you might be facing today.
0 Comments