Each week, as I prepare a devotional for you, I ask God to please help me know what your spiritual needs are on this day. I grew up in a godly home, was given wonderful Bible teaching, and more important, I had godly examples. These were marvelous gifts I didn’t earn or merit. So I feel a deep obligation to share what I have been taught with you. I do not take lightly the burden because eternity itself is at stake.
I don’t know most of you personally. We all come from different backgrounds, church affiliations, and family situations. We all have different burdens, different spiritual needs. I can’t guess what spiritual challenge you face today. So what can I tell you that will encourage you in the place you find yourself today? As I have grown old, the hazards are greater, my physical needs are greater, my sense of God’s help is greater than ever. So here’s one of my favorite Scriptures I lean on when I feel overwhelmed by needs I simply cannot meet alone:
“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
And the Lord said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you,
for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’
“Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
No, you did not read it wrong. It sounds odd, but it is true. The Apostle Paul said he was actually glad for all the problems he faced. He actually welcomed “reproaches, needs, distresses.” Why? Because that was when he experienced the loving power of God.
What do you need from God today? Whatever it is, dear friend, if you will accept it, you will find God’s grace sufficient. God wants to give you the strength, the grace, the wisdom, to meet whatever challenge you face today.