· Step 1: Write out the verse:
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.”
· Step 2: Look up the verse in other translations and make note of the differences.
But he said to me, “ My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy – AMP) is sufficient (enough; it’s all you need – MSG), (enough – NET), (enough, sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully – AMP) in weakness.
Therefore I will boast (gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities – AMP) all the more gladly about my weaknesses,
So that Christ’s power (that the strength and power of Christ [the Messiah] may rest yes; may pitch a tent over and dwell upon me – AMP) rest on me.” (reside in [may rest on] me – NET)
· Step 3: Cross Reference the verse or specific words in the passage.
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. NIV
· Step 4: Look key words up in the concordance or dictionary to gain a better understanding of the word.
Grace – (n) favor or goodwill syn – kindness, kindliness; a manifestation of favor syn – forgiveness, charity, mercifulness
Sufficient – (adj) adequate for the purpose; enough
Power – (n) ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something; strength; might; force
Perfect – (adj) excellent; exactly fitting the need in a certain situation or for a certain purpose; entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings; accurate, exact, or correct in every detail
Weakness – (n) lack of strength, firmness, vigor, something very difficult to resist
Boast – (v) to speak with pride
· Step 5: Rewrite the verse in your own words, pray and ask questions God brings to mind or write notes on what He has revealed during the study.
But He said to me, My grace, favor, loving-kindness, mercy and forgiveness is sufficient, enough, all you need for you as you face danger, difficulties and struggles. Lord help me to rely on your unmerited grace and favor. May I rest in your loving-kindness and mercy. For Lord your grace and mercy are sufficient. Lord may I truly live and believe that you are all I need to face the difficult days. Lord may I turn over the struggles I face each day to you.
For My (God’s) power, strength, might and force is made perfect, is fulfilled and completed in my weakness. Lord may I feel your power and strength in my weakness. For Lord you know exactly what I need in each situation I face. Lord be in every detail of my day and may I see you in the moments I struggle.
Therefore I will boast, speak with pride all the more gladly about my weaknesses, difficulties and struggles. Lord help me to live a raw and honest life about my struggles so that others will see your Glory Shine as your power shines bright as you strengthen and change me into a woman who becomes more like you each day.
So that Christ’s power, strength and might may rest on and reside in me. Lord I pray that your Holy Power will become my shelter like a tent to protect me from the wind and rain and storms that come into my life.
In His Calm,
