for several years that a particular thorn would be removed. But the Lord has not seen fit to remove it. No matter what I do, it WILL NOT go away.
It is still there. Big. Ugly.
Right. In. My. Face.
But he said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you,
for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9a
And it wasn’t until Sunday that I heard these words in a different light. I have read these words more times than I can count in the last few years. I know full well that His grace is sufficient, but it was just now – this moment in time – that it clicked.
Sometimes, our weaknesses, our thorns are – in some ways – a blessing. It is that sense of gratitude for ALL things that change our minds. My mind. That sense of gratitude that allows me to embrace the promise that HIS GRACE is enough.
As Ann says, “all is grace.”
And it is.
Continuing my gratitude list…
653. grace. HIS GRACE.
654. ears that FINALLY heard.
655. a diagnosis.
656. antibiotics.
657. rain.
658. a successful 4 mile race.
659. blessings in disguise.
660. a chance to play.
661. friends that know me.
662. answered prayers.
663. acceptance of thorns and learning to deal with them.
664. encouraging comments from readers.
665. knowing I am doing His will.
Joining today with Michelle at Graceful for
and Ann at a Holy Experience for Multitude Mondays
Friends, as I have struggled with my writing for the last few months many of you have been there. Encouraging me and praying for me. Last week I received some of the most encouraging comments that I have ever received on this blog. Thank you. It makes a difference to know that some way, some how HE just might be using this small place on the Internet to encourage others. Thank you so much for stopping, reading and especially for taking the time to leave a comment.
Hugs~
I too loved those words I heard yesterday. It was like being given permission to be weak and not be so hard on ourselves. Great thankful list. Glad the race went well….was thinking of you that day. You go girl!
You are right Kathleen…we do not need to be SO hard on ourselves.
Those thorns can be troublesome for sure. My grace is sufficient…I keep saying those words over and over to myself when I am overwhelmed. Great post Mary!
Thanks, Susan.
So glad to hear you are receiving encouragement–you are such an encourager!
And, yes, the blessings I don't recognize–the ones that come packaged as thorns. They are the ones that drive me to Jesus, yes?
Yes, Nancy…they ARE the ones that drive us to Jesus. So thankful he is there.
I adore you..
and I love that you tacked the "thorny issue."
It is so important, if we really mean to do business with Him, that we accept it all — and TRUST in His role as KING of our lives!!
Good stuff, my friend!
Thank you, Meredith. Acceptance is hard…accepting ALL is even harder!