Day 76: Weakness

It's amazing how God plans things. I hadn't been feeling quite myself recently, and I have been praying that God would guide me out of my funk and let me feel better. Well, I was searching the internet for reference pictures for an illustration of a horse that I've been asked to do and one of the images led me to a blog (as many pictures nowadays tend to do). Most of the time, I don't bother to even look at the blog let alone read any of the posts, but I felt compelled to read this one. It ended up being a Christian blog, and I was intrigued by what was posted. Not that I agreed with every minute detail of it, but I respect what was said. After reading one post, I wanted to see what other topics there were, so I cruised around a little and decided to bookmark the site. I clicked the link to the home page and saw the most recent blog post was about a letter written to the blogger which basically expressed how I've been feeling. I read on and was moved. It included the following verses:

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
~2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (KJV)

I confess... I am weak. In so many ways--in every way--I am weak. Sometimes I get sad or angry for no apparent reason, and I get upset with myself because, well, I have no reason to feel that way. Sometimes I even feel bad when I do have a reason. I'm my own worst critic, which is certainly not a particularly good thing to be because I'm relying too much on myself and not enough on the Lord. It's not necessarily a conscious thing, and it doesn't mean I've forgotten about the Lord. On the contrary, I'm talking to Him and thinking about Him a majority of the time. Now, I need to practice accepting the fact that I am indeed a human being who is prone to making mistakes and sinning, but keep in mind that all is not lost. Just because I'm human doesn't mean my demise is inevitable. No, I won't accept that because Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior; he died for my sins.

It's also comforting to know that I'm not alone. Even Paul felt how I've been feeling--kind of upset, frustrated, depressed, and/or discontent because of infirmities and such. He cried out to the Lord and asked Him to take away the hardships (as I have done on countless occasions), but when He replied, He basically said, "My grace is enough for you." The Paul realized, "Wow, I'm actually getting stronger through my weaknesses because when I'm weak, I rely on God more, which makes me strong!" That is a extremely beautiful and exceptionally important epiphany. Now, that doesn't mean it's okay to go out and knowingly sin because you know you can ask for forgiveness. No, that's not how it works. You still need to try to avoid sin as best as you can, but don't let the fear of making any mistake keep you from living the life God has planned for you. If you do happen to make a mistake, it's okay. God loves you. Jesus loves you. God gave up His only Son so that he (Jesus) could be sacrificed on the cross so that everyone could have the opportunity to gain everlasting life through Christ.

Side note: I cannot tell you how much better I feel right now. I feel so peaceful, and I know exactly where it's coming from! Thank You, Lord!!! You are indeed amazing and miraculous and wonderful and spectacular!!!

Lord, thank You so much for this day. Thank You for answering my prayers and comforting me in a way that only You can do. Thank You for my family, friends, and pets; please watch over them, bless them, and keep them safe, strong, happy, and healthy. Please watch over the defenders of Your name and this country; please bless them with strength to continue to spread Your Word and/or protect others, and please bring them home safe. Please watch over all of your children, particularly those who are in greatest need of Your guidance. Please let Your love shine down on us and reflect onto the rest of the world. Please cleanse me of my sins and continue to guide me down Your path of righteousness. Lord, please let me know what You want me to do and I will do it with all my heart. Please speak to me and let me understand Your words, and I ask that You give me the strength to relay those words to others so that they may experience the wonders of You and Your love. I pray that You work through me, Lord, to carry out Your great plan. Thank You, Lord, for everyone and everything You have blessed me with, and I ask that You continue to bless me as You have. I love You, Lord, with all of my heart and soul and I always will no matter what. I will follow You forever, Lord. You are the center of my life and I will always be devoted to You and only You fully and completely. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.