…in weakness.

9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

Paul’s circumstance is unclear, other than that he had what he called “a thorn in the flesh”.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
II Corinthians 12:7 NKJV

He clearly attributes this problem as being from Satan and used to buffet him, but he adds in that it was used for his benefit.

Understandably, he prays.

8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
II Corinthians 12:8 NKJV

After pleading three times, the Lord’s answer:

…“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a

God didn’t remove the thorn, at least Paul doesn’t tell us it went away.

Rather, God showed Paul (and us) that He can and will use anything in our lives.

Because we are weak, broken, sinful creatures who desperately need God to heal us, restore us, and redeem us.

No two life stories are identical, but God’s grace, truth, goodness, love, strength, and salvage are able to redeem, restore, and renew any.

No matter the weakness one is experiencing, we do not have to bear it alone, nor does God want us to.

He wants us to lean on Him and trust Him throughout.

When we do, our lives are transformed.

We can go from pleading with God to remove the “thorn” to praising Him for how He has used it.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
II Corinthians 12:10 NKJV

It is not easy, but it is good.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the example of Paul, who was honest about his “thorn in the flesh” and how You spoke so clearly and have given us this wonderful encouragement. Lord, we rarely can see how You are working through the pain in the midst of it, but I thank You that You are. I thank You for how You have used the difficult and painful circumstances of my life. Thank You that You give us so much to lean on. Thank You for Your grace and Your strength which is perfected in our weakness. Thank You for Your faithfulness and love. Lord, thank You that You understand suffering far better than we do. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

April 28

Joel 3:10 KJV — Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.

Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV — Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your Word. Lord, great is Your name and greatly to be praised. Lord, let the weak say they are strong, because Your joy is their strength. Lord, let the weak say they are strong because You are our refuge and strength. Lord, let the weak say they are strong, because through Your sacrifice we are saved. Only in You can we truly find strength. Only in Your Word can we understand what true strength is. Lord, You never intended one person to use their physical strength to their own advantage at the cost of others. You intend those who are strong to protect the weak, to provide for the helpless, to use the gift You’ve given to bring You glory, honor, and praise. Anything we can do is a gift from You. Lord, thank You for sustaining us each day. Thank You for Your wonderful works. Thank You for Your continuing love and care. Lord, let those who are called by Your name be faithful, people of integrity, devoted to You, and diligent in following after You. That they might use their strength to honor You and help others. That is why we need to be strong, because it is not easy to do right. Lord Jesus, You gave all to save us from our sins, please help us to daily give all unto You. Lord, please strengthen the weak. Give men and women who are called by Your name the strength to do what it right. Let them choose You. Help me to always choose You first. Lord, please help me to be strong in Your joy and in Your Word. Help me to fully trust in You and to be wholeheartedly devoted to You in all things. In my weakness, let it be known that You are strong. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Another sock doll

One day, in elementary school…

(Sounds like something from a book…)

Anyway, when I was in elementary school my mom worked there.

So, we spent plenty of time after school hanging out in classrooms or on the playground.

I can’t remember what grade I was in, nor what classroom.

All I can remember is a drawing of a sock and the step-by-step instructions for turning a pair of socks into a doll.

I know I’ve shared this story before and there’s really very little to it, except that I have been blessed to remember it.

All these years.

Any of my family can tell you, that’s actually super unusual.

My memory for things isn’t very good.

Infact, I was telling one of the girls today:

” I remember having it, but no idea where it is. Probably next to the dish soap I put in a safe place.”

Grimacing the whole time, because over a week ago I had two bottles of dish soap.

The half full one I left under the kitchen sink.

The other one went, “in a safe place out of sight so we don’t use it too quickly.”

Grrr…

It’s still in that safe place.

No one, including me has any idea where that could possibly be.

Another crazy thing about me remembering that paper of instructions on how to make a sock doll.

I can’t read most instructions.

God has blessed me and I have sewn dresses, hats, costumes, blankets, simple quilts, and curtains.

Never once did I use a pattern.

I can’t figure them out to save my life.

Crocheting?

Nope, I can’t read those patterns either.

(I can follow a video tutorial!)

With all this being said about my inabilities, it makes me look at this little doll I finished today and praise God.

Life isn’t about focusing on what I cannot do.

Because the list is really l-o-n-g.

Instead, it’s realizing my weakness is used by Jesus to help me love Him all the more.

After all, I couldn’t even love Him if He didn’t love me first.

1 John 4:19 KJV — We love him, because he first loved us.

With all the changes, uncertainty, and strange times we find ourselves in, it’s so important that we realize our weakness is His opportunity.

I can easily smile at this little toy, another sock doll.

She’s a reminder that God’s strength is in every part.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV — And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Breakfast in bed

It was after 7:30am.

The door soundlessly opened just enough for her to see.

“Yes, I’m awake, sweetheart.”

“I was worried, you normally don’t stay in bed this late. How are you feeling?”

-sigh-

“Not fantastic. I’m very tired today.”

“Then don’t worry! I’ll make you breakfast and I’ll clean the kitchen. I don’t need much help with school today, just Math. You can tell me what you want me to do to help Jase after breakfast.”

And off she went.

It wasn’t long before her promise was made good in serving me breakfast in bed.

I’m so thankful for her sweet generous heart.

I did get up and take my daily inhaler and my other meds.

I’m back in bed, surrendering my day before the Master.

Because I know His plans are best.

Yesterday, I felt amazing.

I had many responsibilities and was blessed to get them all done!

It was incredible.

For most of this week I’ve felt pretty miserable: migraines.

But, praise God, I’m migraine free.

Yet, my body is in need of rest and I have learned to obey.

My calendar is pretty open today.

It’s a perfect day for resting.

I’ve been repeating a verse all morning, when not listening to the Bible or praying.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV — And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

In my weakness, He is strong.

I praise God.

He is so faithful.

If I’d never been sick, I’d never have seen how awesome He truly is.

Praise the Lord!