Here is what has been speaking to me:
"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefor, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9 & 10
The Apostle Paul had asked God for help with some physical weakness. As we know God could have cured it but He didn't. He gave him the above answer instead.
At the time I read this I was dealing with a bunch of headaches, fatigue and a sore neck. I had also been visiting with my Mom and she had told me how many of the women her age (her friends, sisters, etc) have a lot of pain and such that they deal with all the time. For some reason thinking of that sort of thing rather stresses me out. I don't do well with constant pain (like headaches) and the idea of having something that never went away is a little overwhelming to me.
I think that is why I have tried so hard to live healthfully. I really would like to go into middle age feeling good. However this verse was a great reminder. I can try to be healthy, and I think God really wants me to do that but at the same time I don't have to worry about things. Also I need to realize that there might be times that I do need to go through pain. God can mold and perfect his people through pain too. When we are weak and unable to do things on our own then God's power can really shine through.
I do want that! I want people to see God's light and power in me - not my own. If that should happen to take pain then I am ready to go there. I am just praying that I always remember that God's grace is sufficient!
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| We have really been enjoying wandering in our woods and around the swamp this fall. We did that today and had fun enjoying the beauty God has made. This picture is from earlier this fall. |
This is a blessing! I was just discussing this... God is powerful in our weakness... with a close friend. So glad you are having a better time though.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting. I deal with chronic pain and an illness every day (even though I am still young). I am thankful though that its not worse, I mean I can still carry on with things most days (although not at the level I want to, I need to modify my hopes and dreams and plans). I needed to hear this because especially lately sometimes I just feel like why me. All sorts of older people say how they feel and tell me that enjoy it while I can since later its really hard and I think to myself well its not always easy for younger people either! We each have our own struggles. I wish I could really feel this verse was true in my life since sometimes I just feel like its easy to know and harder to apply that God's grace is enough. I hope that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteMiriam- How neat that this has been on your mind too.
ReplyDeleteNola~ I am so sorry that you have to deal with chronic health problems. That is what I have always hoped and prayed that I wouldn't be faced with as I think I would really struggle in that situation. I admire all that you have been able to do and am just praying that you will continue to see God's grace working in your life more and more. And I pray that I will be able have God's grace work in me too!
Thanks Abbi for the encouragement. I was reading tonight in my Bible and saw so many words about God and his love and grace that jumped out of the pages at me. We are so blessed that we can know God here on earth and be with him in heaven someday!!! That brings me hope. I don't think I could make it otherwise when I feel like I can't do it anymore God helps me again and again.
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