Most of us are hurting to some level. We may look into the new year with a degree of fear because of the struggles, weaknesses, and thorns we carry into it. But God has a reminder for us in 2 Corinthians 12 - His grace is sufficient for us! As we dive into this chapter and look into the new year, God invites us to embrace our weaknesses and experience His strength so we can endure. Let's take a new step together into 2024 and lean in on our weaknesses because God's grace is sufficient for us at all times.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

For Adult Homes & Groups 

1. What are the thorns in your life right now as you look into the new year? Can you relate to Paul’s experience? If so, in what way? 

2. Is our strength of any value without God? What can we truly accomplish without His divine hand guiding and uplifting us? 

3. What would you consider your weaknesses to be? Do you view them as something to hide or run away from? Why or why not? How do your weaknesses lead you closer to Jesus? 

4. Encourage one another to lean into your weaknesses this year, rather than avoid them, in a way that draws you closer to God’s strength. Take a new step in the year ahead, and seek out how your weaknesses can strengthen your relationship with Jesus - through prayer, Scripture, worship, and giving. 

For Families with Kids 

1. What makes a superhero great? Who’s your favorite superhero? Why? Do they have any weaknesses? How do they overcome them? 

2. God tells us that our weaknesses are not bad things, and they can be used by God to draw us closer to Him. Is there an area in your life where you feel weak? How can you see God’s strength helping you with your weaknesses? 

3. Make a new year list together of weaknesses you have, and make it a goal to step into them rather than avoid them. Pray together for God’s strength to trust in His grace.