Focus Scripture — 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 (KJV)
“And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Introduction
Second Corinthians chapter 12, verses 9 and 10 remind us that God’s grace is sufficient and that His strength is made perfect in weakness. It is okay if you’re not okay in the sifting process.
Sifting for the believer is a metaphor for intense spiritual testing. It’s about separation and purification. It’s a call to self-examination and a reminder of God’s purpose in our worship — to build in us a more resilient faith, even in our failures.
The Reality of Pain and the Christian Journey
No one likes pain, but we recognize it and accept it and embrace it as part of the Christian journey. Jesus mentioned this in John 16:33, where He told us that we would have tribulation in this world, but to take heart because He has overcome the world.
In asking God to search us, He will find that many times we are not okay. He will find us wearing a mask. And I think Reverend Pat referenced that yesterday about masks — how we can put on a mask before God, but the Word of God tells us that He knows us and He sees us.
When We Are Not Okay
We can put on a mask and present a brave front to the world and to each other, but inside, you and I are hurting. We are weary. We are drained. We are running low on joy and hope. Our hearts are broken.
You are discouraged. You are ashamed for not being okay. You are beating yourself up over things the Lord has already forgiven you for, and you are beating yourself up because you think you should be further along than where you are.
There is doubt. There is fear. There are all kinds of things going on in our lives.
The Sifting of the Heart
Even the psalmist, when he asked the Lord to search him and examine him to see if there was any wicked way in him, also acknowledged his anxiety. Psalm 139:23 speaks to knowing the anxiety — the things that trouble the heart, the worries of the soul, the burdens we carry.
This sifting is about God allowing our faith to be purified because it is more precious than gold. When we come to God and ask Him to search us and do the sifting He desires to do, it is okay when we are honest with God.
Honesty is the best policy — not only in our lives, but with the Lord. Even in Psalm 139, it speaks about how the Lord knows us and sees us completely.
The Purpose of Testing
First Peter 1:3–6 speaks about our incorruptible and undefiled inheritance. The believer rejoices because of what is ahead, even though for a little while we may be grieved by various trials.
Even when you are not okay in the trial, the testing of your faith — which is more precious than gold — produces something valuable. It will result in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
The Lord Who Prays for Us
Pastor Rod also referenced Peter — how Jesus told him that the enemy desired to sift him. But Jesus encouraged Peter and told him that He had prayed for him.
Even for us this morning, as I say it’s okay if you’re not okay in the sifting process, know that the Lord has prayed for you. Scripture tells us that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God and lives to make intercession for us.
He prayed that even though you are not okay with the process, your faith will not fail when the enemy comes against you. The goal of the sifting is to mature us as believers.
Restoration and Grace
Luke chapter 22 reminds us of the moment when Peter denied Christ. When Peter’s eyes met the Lord’s, he was not okay in that moment. Luke 22:62 tells us that he went out and wept bitterly.
Later, we see how the Lord restored Peter — asking him if he loved Him and commissioning him to feed His sheep.
No matter where you find yourself this morning, God knows you’re not okay. He sees you. He knows you’re running low. He wants to remind you that His grace is sufficient.
Strength in Weakness
His strength is made perfect in your weakness. When you acknowledge before God that you are not okay, you will see Him flood you with His power.
Then you and I can say, as the apostle Paul did, that we will boast in our infirmities so that the power of Christ may rest upon us.
Encouragement for the Journey
When we come to God honestly — open and vulnerable — that is when the shift we desire takes place in our lives. Honesty breaks patterns and provides the right atmosphere for God to work mightily in our lives.
Your weakness does not disqualify you. Not being okay today does not disqualify you. You may be on the mountaintop today and low tomorrow — and that is okay.
God does not disqualify you from the race set before you or from the assignment ordained for you before the foundation of the world.
Psalm 27:1 reminds us that the Lord is the strength of our life. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength.
Closing Exhortation and Prayer
Even when you are not okay in the sifting, continue to seek the Lord with all your heart, and you will find Him, as Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us.
Meditate on God’s faithfulness. Recall your history with Him — how He was with you in other seasons when you were not okay.
The process of sifting, though difficult, is ultimately for strengthening and refining our faith. Second Corinthians 4:17 reminds us that our present affliction is working for us an eternal weight of glory.
So if today you are not okay, that is fine. God’s grace is sufficient. He will pour it out on you. He is not disappointed in you. He is not ashamed to call you His child. He is not tired of your neediness. He loves it when we need Him.
Nothing can separate you from the love of God. Even if you’re not okay, it’s okay — because God is with you.
In Jesus’ name, we pray with thanksgiving.
Amen. Amen. Amen.