when your needs are BIG

[littlespirit]

 I want to share with you something God has encouraged me with in the last few weeks. It is from the devotional called "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. 

"When some basic need is lacking--time, energy, money--consider yourself blessed. Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto me (God) in unashamed dependence.  When you begin a day with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts on the present moment. This is where you are meant to live--in the present; it is the place where I always await you. Awareness of your inadequacy is a rich blessing, training you to rely wholeheartedly on me. The truth is that self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success. Health and wealth can disappear instantly, as can life itself. Rejoice in your insufficiency, knowing that my power is made perfect in weakness."

2 Corinthians 12:9--My (God's) grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

I've never really understood that verse. It is talking about one of God's followers from the Bible named Paul, who had a physical ailment he called a "thorn in the flesh." He asked God to take it away 3 times, but God said "my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  So Paul goes on to say in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10--"Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

For me, that means trying to find ways to be thankful despite my pain and frustration. And trying to find ways I can serve God despite my limitations. For me, that also means more time spent on my knees relying on God and asking for his help. And that also means finding out that God is REAL and that he really does come through for me. And that also means not trying to fight the pain and illness but just quieting down and allowing his grace to carry me through.

I know we are each on our own journey, but I know that his grace can be sufficient for your days too. A simple, "help God" is all it takes to receive that grace and love and help.