2 Corinthians 12:9
But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weakness, in order to feel the protection of Christ’s power over me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (GNT)
Paul was pleading with God to remove what he called a “thorn from his flesh”. We never find out what that thorn was but we do find out that God sometimes has other plans for our futures and for Paul this thorn became a great gift.
One of the biggest struggles in my life was when my wife Mary was diagnosed with Lewey Body Dementia. I learned there was no cure and in time she would no longer be able to live on her own and eventually she would not even know who I was. Without the Grace of God and the love of members of Southwood, family and friends I would not have been able to handle the situation.
As time passed I did not feel good about leaving Mary at home alone. I mentioned my concerns at a small group Bible Study one week and by the next week they told me that they had people from church lined up to stay with Mary while I was at work. For three years I did not miss a day at work because someone was always there to help. After three years the helpers said they felt uncomfortable because Mary’s decline was beyond them. I asked our study group if they had any thoughts on my next steps and someone mentioned they knew a professional who had just finished a stay. I made contact with her and she agreed to work with us. Cindy was definitely a gift from God. So I went another three years without missing a day of work. Also during that period of time I did not cook a meal because members of Southwood brought us meals. One of the things I really appreciated on that journey was that Mary was able to remain home through the entire journey. She is now with God and is living an eternity better than her best day here on earth. I would never want to take that away from her.
That six year journey was the most difficult six years of my life but it also was the most blessed six years of my life. Paul reminded us in today’s verse that the Lord’s power is greatest when we are weak. I have never been closer to God than I was during those six years. I have been given a very blessed life with many great memories. Sadly it took the roughest years for me to bring God closer to me. Thank you Lord for your grace and the many blessings you have brought into my life.
Questions for Reflection:
- Think of the times you feel closest to God.
- Were they good memories?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, We thank you for always being there when we need you. Please forgive us when our lives are going well and we put you in the back seat. Thank you also for reminding us in today’s verse that even Paul struggled with this as we do. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen
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