”My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:7
She had written to me because she was suffering with constant pain and really didn’t know if life was worth living anymore. As I prayed about what to say in my reply, God reminded me of the truth of His unique calling in my life — a call to suffering.
Much like Paul who prayed and asked God to remove the thorn in his flesh 3 times, I had asked God to take away the pain. Others had joined in that prayer, but His answer was always ”not now my child, my grace is sufficient for you.” Friends and family alike struggled with that answer.
But as I sat in front of the computer that day I realized anew that God’s calling on my life right now was unwanted, yes, but still very real. I could say like Paul, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). His promises that His grace would be sufficient and that I could be content with that are a daily reality.
The pain has not left. But neither has my Heavenly Father. Christ in me means that I can choose joy and be at peace knowing that "when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10b). His call on my life during this season is to shine His glory through a cracked and broken vessel and to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He has not forgotten me — that He definitely still has things for me to do: a role to play and prayers to pray.
How about you? Is God’s call for this season of your life unwanted? Remember that God hasn’t changed and is still very much at work!
Heavenly Father, thank You that I can know that Your power indwells me and Your grace is always sufficient for me. May I remember that when the circumstances of life threaten to overwhelm me. Amen.
Take Action
If you’ve been bottling up your pain, keeping it to yourself, talk to God about your pain today and confide in someone you trust.
You could also talk to one of our online mentors.