~ Words of the Church Fathers ~
‘My grace is sufficient for thee’ (II Cor. 12:9)
Christ did not spare even His holy apostles from temptation, and He therefore gave them grace. When Satan himself began to wreak his malice on the Apostle Paul, Paul prayed that Satan be removed from him. But the Lord replied: ‘My grace is sufficient for thee.’ In other words: if you have to suffer at Satan’s hands, My grace is sufficient for your suffering. If you have to struggle with Satan, again My grace is sufficient for you. If you desire to overcome Satan, again My grace is sufficient. Grace is a weapon that can be used for everything. Grace is stronger than all adversities, all assaults, all the powers of darkness. Grace is both unconquerable and conquering.
Therefore, my brethren, we must pray to God to give us His almighty grace. Grace is God dwelling in us. Grace is the Kingdom of God within us. When God’s grace is within us, then it is day in our souls. And the day means light, knowledge and freedom from fear.
We cannot ask here on earth, my brethren, for a greater gift from God than divine grace. Should we receive the entire universe as a gift, it would be less than the grace of God.
O most rich Lord, Thou inexhaustible fount of almighty grace, break and plough our hardened hearts with Thy grace, that we may weep before Thy great goodness and our horrendous ingratitude. To Thee be glory and praise for ever. Amen.
~ St Nikolai Velimirovic
St Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church 