Chapter 234—Grace Sufficient
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9
.
“When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of
the tribes of Israel” (
1 Samuel 15:17
)? Here Samuel points out the reason for
Saul’s appointment to the throne of Israel. He had a humble opinion of his
own capabilities, and was willing to be instructed. When the divine choice
fell upon him, he was deficient in knowledge and experience, and had, with
many good qualities, serious defects of character.... But if he would remain
humble, seeking constantly to be guided by divine wisdom, ... he would be
enabled to discharge the duties of his high position with success and honor.
Under the influence of divine grace, every good quality would be gaining
strength, while evil traits would as steadily lose their power.
This is the work which the Lord proposes to do for all who consecrate
themselves to Him.... To all who will receive instruction He will impart
grace and wisdom.... He will reveal to them their defects of character, and
bestow upon all who seek His aid, strength to correct their errors. Whatever
may be man’s besetting sin, whatever bitter or baleful passions struggle for
the mastery, he may conquer, if he will watch and war against them in the
name and strength of Israel’s Helper. The children of God should cultivate a
keen sensitiveness to sin.... It is one of Satan’s most successful devices, to
lead men to the commission of little sins, to blind the mind to the danger of
little indulgences, little digressions from the plainly stated requirements of
God. Many who would shrink with horror from some great transgression,
are led to look upon sin in little matters as of trifling consequence. But these
little sins eat out the life of godliness in the soul. The feet which enter upon
a path diverging from the right way are tending toward the broad road that
ends in death.
Whatever the position in which God has placed us, whatever our
responsibilities or our dangers, we should remember that He has pledged
Himself to impart needed grace to the earnest seeker. Those who feel
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