February 8

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. — 2 Cor 3:5 BSB

Insufficient and All-sufficient—these two words complement each other and give the key to an effective Christian life. The realization and full conviction of our utter helplessness is the constant condition for spiritual supply. The aim of the Old Testament is to show humanity’s failure, while the New Testament reveals Christ’s sufficiency. He has everything for us, but we can’t receive it until we recognize that we have nothing.

The essence of Christian perfection is the ongoing renunciation of our own righteousness and the constant acceptance of Christ’s righteousness. As we gain deeper awareness of our nothingness and sinfulness, it is simply a call to claim more of His abundant grace. However, it is possible to realize our insufficiency without fully grasping His all-sufficiency. This must be done with a faith that refuses to accept anything less than everything. The prophet was angry when the king of Israel struck the ground only three times. He should have done it five or six times—he could have had it all. So let us rise to meet His greatness and grace.