October 31

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. — 2 Cor 12:9 BSB

God allowed Jacob to reach a crisis point at Peniel, where he prayed fervently. It was in this place of extreme peril that Jacob learned to take hold of God in a way he never had before. And from that moment, Jacob emerged with a deeper faith, a greater knowledge of God, and a new and victorious life.

In the same way, God put David through years of difficult discipline to teach him about God’s almighty power and faithfulness. This process was necessary to prepare David for his later role as Israel’s king.

Similarly, Paul’s continual hardships were essential for teaching him—and the church through him—the full meaning of God’s promise: "My grace is sufficient for you." And it’s often the trials and challenges we face that lead us to know God more deeply, trust Him more fully, and draw from Him the abundant grace that only such extremities can make indispensable.