Is his grace sufficient for us?

The bible is full of encouraging verses. some of which have been shared with us over the years in a way to encourage us. Don't get me wrong, they are very encouraging and I am not trying to discourage sharing them, but I think some Christians are of the mind that these verses are like saying abra cadabra with a magic wand, or like giving you a magic potion to make you feel well.

They are up lifting, but there can also be a process involved in realising on them. For example the following verse says;
2 Corinthians 12:9 (http://www.biblegateway.com)

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ But 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.
 

..........and his grace is sufficient, but based on my experience you don't necessarily hear or read that verse and then feel instantaneously at peace. It can be a process to experience Gods grace, a process that can take time. Just as a person doesn't necessarily grasp a concept in school right a way, grasping the enormity and complexity of Gods grace can take time. It can be a journey which is often times slowed by our humanness, our unwillingness to rest in God`s provision of grace and so on.

Perhaps you are out there and you feel somewhat silly or inept because you are not always experiencing Gods gifts such as grace and peace the way others may expect you to. You are not alone. Check out the Psalms, David was a man after Gods own heart and it sure looks like he had some blue (down) days. Do you think he always felt God`s grace, do ya think he was always at peace?.

Some Christians appear of the mind that because we have Gods power, we should never hurt. That will happen, but not before heaven!!

Its ok to hurt, David did, Jesus did and the list goes on. His grace is there for you, but its a process to experience it and enjoy it. Its part of the maturing process all growing Christians likely journey.

James 1:2-8 (http://www.biblegateway.com)

New King James Version (NKJV)

Profiting from Trials

² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.