Steph’s Stuff 08-06-13 (Scatterbrained Weakness) My biggest weakness is my own mind. Scatterbrained has always been a problem for me. Thoughts whiz by at a dizzying pace and my memory is legendary—because for the large part, it doesn’t exist—especially when it comes to daily tasks. If it weren’t for the calendar and reminders on my phone, I’d be lost. But that only works when I remember to PUT those reminders on the phone—and I can find it… “I begged the Lord three times to take this problem away from me. But the Lord said, “My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.” So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me. Yes, I am glad to have weaknesses if they are for Christ. I am glad to be insulted and have hard times. I am glad when I am persecuted and have problems, because it is when I am weak that I am really strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (ERV) For some time, He has been telling me that He is going to use me mightily. He already has, many times. Tomorrow is not promised to us, so I have to remember that (yeah) and focus on today. Lately I’ve been starting each day rejoicing for what He will bring, asking for His vision as each new detail presents itself and relaxing with the knowledge of His love. That love doesn’t always show up in sunshine and lollipops. That love sometimes shows up in the ability to walk through the tough stuff. Sometimes that tough stuff is the people who populate my days—and sometimes it is the aftermath of my own foolish decisions. Sometimes it is the aches and pains of an aging body, one that hasn’t always been treated as a temple. Sometimes it is just an overwhelming sense of despair—because these doggone problems are still here, Lord! Did You forget about me? Are they punishment for my weakness? I can’t handle it anymore! “That’s right, Beloved. You can’t. That is your clue. I am waiting for you to call on Me, even when it seems like you’ve already done that. I decide the timing. You decide to trust Me. Remember that when you have trusted, I give you the stamina to keep on. I give you the mindset to find joy in pain. I give you the peace that passes understanding. That is what you need, not immediate answers to those problems. Seek My voice in this—knowing I will not disappoint you. My plan is ongoing and steady, even if you don’t see it now. The Message translation puts it like this: “My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.” (v. 9) Lord, I pray for everyone reading (and typing!) these words. Help us to trust You. Help us to keep seeking Your face, even and especially when times are tough. Help us to discern the little blessings You send to remind us of Your care. Thank you for this thorn embedded in my flesh. I will rejoice in this day and be glad, knowing that You have gone before me, even and especially when I’m weak. Fondly, Stephanie
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 14:20:34 +0000
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