There are several pathways that can bring us to the end of our resources. Yesterday, my sister had knee replacement surgery. If you have had that surgery, you can imagine what today is like for her. I was thinking about the surgery I had to recover from this past winter. There is nothing quite like a surgery to remind you that your ability is limited. I remember my prayers in those days “Lord if You don’t help me, I am not able to do whatever it was I have to do! And He did help me, one task at a time.
How many times do we face situations in our lives which intimidate us or just feel too hard? Maybe the climb is too steep. Perhaps it’s the thought of having a hard conversation or tackling a job that seems way over our head. We cannot escape the numerous situations which felt absolutely daunting. Even as wet think about it, fear grips our heart. If we give into it, we become paralyzed by it and there is no moving forward.
In 2 Corinthians 12 we read about Paul and his daily struggle with some kind of affliction. He described it as a thorn in his flesh. No one knows exactly what it was, but it was a constant reminder that he was in need of God’s strength each day. He saw that as a positive. He was thankful for his weaknesses, because it became a daily invitation to call out to Jesus for that day. Paul did ask 3 times for God to remove this affliction from him but Jesus Himself said to him “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9)
This same word is spoken to you and me. His grace, His unmerited favour or acceptance is enough for us. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. The image that comes to mind, is of a race. As we are under God’s grace, we have the privilege of running an impossible race but with the wind of God’s strength and His love empowering each stride. If that is not enough, there is His peace that is given to us as well. I love Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Today, if you are facing the impossible, surrender the situation, whatever it is that you are powerless to control or fix and ask Him for His help and His strength and wisdom.
What an invitation! It is not just for Monday to Friday during business hours, it is for every moment of every day and night.
Dear Father,
Thank You that Your door is always open for me. You hear me when I pray and call out to You for help. I need You today. I need Your strength and Your wisdom Father. I am lost without You. Meet me in my struggles. Thank You.
In Jesus Name,
Amen