Two-minute read.
Recently, we purchased a used Prius from a small dealership. When we walked in to get the keys, the older gentleman in the corner, not seeing us, said, “Pride, huh? That’s one I never heard before.”
As we left, I told Ron, “They’re talking about sin.” Focused on the car, he hadn’t even noticed. When I asked about the topic of their conversation, I learned that it centered on what caused the Roman Empire to fall. In the manager’s opinion, pride caused it. From his studies, he had concluded that at the root of all sin lies pride.
Paul addresses his pride in his second letter to the Corinthians. Because he had received extraordinary revelations from God, he could easily fall prey to pride. But Paul had a thorn in his flesh, though we don’t know for sure what kind. We do know that Paul asked the Lord to remove the thorn three times, and God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
Instead of removing the thorn, the Lord gave Paul something greater: the assurance of sustaining grace. God sometimes answers our prayers not by changing our circumstances, but by strengthening us within them.
When my nephew died, I discovered God’s sustaining grace. As each day passed without him, the Lord showed up in a myriad of ways. Through friends, our church, counseling, my broken heart began to heal. Grief evolves, and we learn to live with it. Life never returns to the old normal; instead, a new normal begins to develop. One in which the Lord strengthened me and helped me persevere. Knowing that Cody lives in heaven with the Savior and that we’ll one day meet again gives me the hope I need. Trusting God with my pain and accepting His grace gives me strength.
The Creator gives us grace sufficient for every season. In suffering, we will discover the Lord’s provision. When we experience disappointment and uncertainty, God will help us persevere. In our weakness, He becomes our strength as we faithfully serve and follow Him. The Lord’s grace never gets depleted.
While the world celebrates self-sufficiency and strength, God’s kingdom works oppositely. Recognizing our limitations allows us to become more dependent on the Lord. Our weakness allows the Savior to display His power. God accomplishes His purpose through people who rely on Him rather than on their own abilities.
Journal Questions:
- Where do you demand perfection?
- How does perfectionism increase your stress?
- What grace can you extend to yourself today?
Stressbuster:
Leave one nonessential task unfinished.
