The Apostle Paul had asked three times for God to remove a thorn in the flesh. This thorn in the flesh thing has been debated for centuries and we are not going to rehash it in this devotional. The thing I want us to see is the power of grace.

One of the hardest things for Christians (and that includes me too) to learn is to rest in what Jesus has already accomplished. We let works pollute grace even when our Bible clearly tells us that we are not saved by works but by grace.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8)

We tend to let the Old Testament law influence what was paid for on the cross by Jesus. This type of pollution keeps us from really knowing God through Jesus. It tends to keep us at a distance from God because we think we cannot measure up even though His Word says just the opposite.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

We are the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus, not by anything we did but by faith in what Jesus did.

Even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; (Romans 3:22)

We think there must be some kind of works that we must accomplish before we can come into His presence when in actuality the work has already been done by Jesus.

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (Hebrews 4:1-3)

The bottom line is this. Works are not what God is looking for. Will we do works. Yes!!!! Anybody that has been born=again will just automatically do works, but that is not the goal. The goal is to enter into His rest. That means you realize you are not perfect and you need a savior. We all have a thorn in the flesh. But here is the Good News. His grace is sufficient!!! All we have to do is believe and rest in that!!! We are the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus!!!