Sufficient Grace

Open Your Bible

2 Corinthians 12:1-21, Mark 14:32-36, Philippians 4:10-13

It was just a common cold, then an infection and then another infection from the antibiotics the doctors had given me to fight the first infection. Then, after being in bed for a week, my lower back started to hurt. To add insult to injury, I cracked one of my molars on a seed in my bread and ended up having to get a root canal. For four weeks it was one thing after another. I don’t get sick often, so this debilitating month was like an object lesson in the absolute frailty of my body. Nothing was really related to anything else; it was just a perfect cluster of unfortunate events all smashed up against one another.

I don’t know about you, but I can manage a simple cold. I can even manage a tweaked back. But when all the world seemed to conspire against me when I simply got out of bed, ate anything harder than yogurt, or ended up on my third round of antibiotics in a month—well, then I began to despair. In that moment, I couldn’t remember what it felt like to be well, let alone remember what it felt like to be cheerful or whole or able to manage anything. I felt like a walking mistake.

Have you ever felt like that?

Maybe it’s not physical for you; maybe it’s emotional. Or maybe it is physical but to an extent that makes my month of maladies seem like a walk in the park. Perhaps it’s mental or spiritual—I don’t know. But I do know that sometimes God’s grace does not feel sufficient for my weakness. Nothing about me, or Him for that matter, seems sufficient in days and weeks and months like these.

Yet in 2 Corinthians 12, Paul listed the weaknesses in which he finds contentment: insults, hardships, persecution, and calamities, not to mention the thorn in his flesh God hadn’t removed. Paul was not saying these things didn’t exist or that they weren’t hard. He wasn’t putting on a brave face or being courageous in the midst of difficulty. He wasn’t even saying it was okay to simply accept the thorn as it is. No, he begged God to remove it. But in the midst of all this very real pain and difficulty, Paul’s contentment was not in his ability to weather the storm, bear the pain, or be brave. His contentment was in the sufficiency of God’s grace.

When I’m struggling with anything, I want to find contentment in God’s sovereign ability to change everything in an instant, to heal what is broken right now, to right what is wrong. What I don’t want to be content with is simply walking through the difficulty—be it physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual—in the knowledge that His grace is sufficient, that He is bearing this with me, and He hears me. And even if He hasn’t answered my prayer according to my wishes, He is still sufficient for me in my weakness, emptiness, pain, and sorrow.

Paul’s words to the Corinthians in this passage remind me that sometimes God doesn’t change our circumstances, not one bit. But He does change our hearts in the midst of everything, making us more like Him. Jesus’s words to Paul and to the Corinthians are a promise to us as well.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.”
—2 Corinthians 12:9

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125 thoughts on "Sufficient Grace"

  1. Jade Gaines says:

    Thank you Abba for granting me with grace to sustain me in every circumstance and smooth out the ripples in the storm and clear the way for my blessings

  2. Jennifer Anapol says:

    That I could*

  3. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I pray that u could be content in every situation , knowing that God is still good and in control. Also, knowing that his grace will give me the strength to walk through anything.

  4. Mari V says:

    Wow! WOW!! I felt like this devotion was written just for me! I’m on my lunch break right now.
    “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Hardships. Difficulties. My hardships and difficulties may have been that hard or even serious. “My grace is sufficient.” This summer, my kids and I were not able to go on vacation. I had the “time” but, Financially, we just weren’t able to. Admittedly, I was sad. After reading this mornings WORD and the reminder in Philippians 4:11-12 Learning to be content whatever my circumstances, I am and WILL be OK. And it’s also OK for me to feel sad. I may not have everything I want, but I have everything I need. God is still good! Jehovah my provider

    1. Cee Gee says:

  5. Mercy says:

    A while back, I remembered a devotional on SRT talking about the purpose of suffering. Oh suffering, the thing that we run away from, the thing that we bind, we rebuke in the Name of Jesus, the thing that brought us to our knees, but who can rebuke the “thorn in the flesh” if given by God? Who can rebuke God Himself if that’s His will for us to bear the thorn? Will we say, “if I perish I perish”, even if He doesn’t, I will still worship Him? I pray we will, I pray we will choose God again and again and learn the purpose of such seasons. It is so hard. “I will glory in my infirmities”, and not “I will get bitter and resentful in my infirmities”, I will glory in my pain, in my afflictions, in my health issues which I know that God is the Healer, I will glory in my family strife and persecutions, in my marriage conflicts, in my oppression in my workplace, and in my fear at 3am looking at the ceiling wondering God are you here with me? I pray we will choose Him again and again. I was reminded to thank God for my suffering last week from an online church service, and I was in awe of such a reminder. “It is good that I am afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees” (Psalm 119:71). I really relate to what LORE was saying, surprisingly it was also my story, my eye issues, and then also the dentist telling me I need an implant and a crown (steep cost), my right thumb was hurting mysteriously, and another cherry on top, my petunia container got infested with aphids. BUT GOD. I was in despair, crawling out of it, trying to build myself up through scriptures, a perpetual cycle, and then, God blessed me with a beautiful Rae Dunn mug at a garage sale that says “SHINE”, His manifested glory came on my ordinary day making it extraordinary. When I had my coffee in the morning, reading my large-print bible through scratched up eyes, holding the SHINE mug, He reminded me of this verse, “Arise and shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you”. Me Lord? Thank you Lord. God is faithful shes, in His ways of comforting us, they might appear small compared to the storms (the temporary afflictions), but may we be encouraged. Godliness and contentment is great gain. I wish I could find a Rae Dunn mug that says “contentment”, I would love that. Thank you shes for your prayers over my eyes. I maximized the fonts as much as I could today so I could get by. Praise Him. I am praying alongside with you all that our battles are won, that the daily warfare is defeated through the power of God who is the mighty warrior among our midst, that we know our authority is given in the heavenly realm, above this earthly realm where the price of the air reigns. Have Hope shes. Your God, in His love, will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). Be blessed dear sisters.

    1. ERB says:

      LOVE WHAT YOU GLEANED AND SHARED MERCY!!! SO GOOD!!! THANK YOU DEAR SISTER!!! CONTINUED PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS FOR YOU, KEEP SHINING BRIGHT!!! ❤️ Xoxo

    2. Cee Gee says:

      What a beautiful share, MERCY! God bless you, sister! Continued prayers. Love you! ❤

  6. Donna Wolcott says:

    Prayers lifted for each of you. I am starting my 10 day Christian camp and Bible study tomorrow in CT. I will be using my workbook from there but will not be following comments. Blessings all.❤️

    1. Cee Gee says:

    2. Kelly (NEO) says:

      The Lord be with yousnd bless your time

  7. Allison Bentley says:

    If I’m being honest “sometimes Gods grace does not feel sufficient for my weakness”. Yes Lore- I too feel this way. I feel shame and guilt for this truth- Lord help me in my unbelief and being content with ALL circumstances! Teach me to boast in weakness- not strength- especially in today’s chaos and the general focus of me!!! Happy Thursday She’s- lifting up your prayer requests and praises!!!

  8. Mari V says:

    This devotion was SO amazing and on time, but I am out of time to comment as I have 5 minutes to make it to work. YEP I’m back I will comment later as THIS devo was something I was going through yesterdayt

    1. Cee Gee says:

      ❤ Praying this day goes well!

  9. Traci Gendron says:

    I’m not sure if anyone saw my comment yesterday about my friend Debbie. Her numbers dramatically dropped. She had been given 6 months to live. Now the doctor said in shock, “I can’t explain this. Go live your life right now.”

    She wanted me to thank all of you for praying for her. She was overwhelmed by the love of strangers.

    1. Kris says:

      WOW!!! Praise God for His miraculous healing!!!!!

    2. ERB says:

      Woohoo!!! God is SO AWESOME!!!! Praising Him and rejoicing for your friend!!!! YAYAY God!!!! Thank You Father!!! ❤️

    3. Michelle P says:

      Wow!!!!!

    4. Searching says:

      Such wonderful news!!! Thank you for the update ❤️

    5. Tricia C says:

      Woo! Great news!

    6. Cee Gee says:

      ❤ Traci, please tell Debbie we are not strangers here…sisters who love and care for each other…that’s what/who we are. If one of us shares a need, we respond! ❤ I hope God gets His glory in her story! Go live your life… Wow!!! I needed this update today!!!

      1. Rhonda J says:

        YES..amen!

    7. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

      Wow! Wow! Wow!! Praise God!!

  10. Traci Gendron says:

    I could have become angry and bitter over my son’s illness. It changed my whole life after all. BUT I chose God. I needed Him to get me through 33 years of medicines, hospital stays, blood draws, and scary moments. And He is faithful. And I am so very thankful.

    1. Rhonda J says:

      Yes, Amen! So glad you were able to lean on Him and trust His plan is for the good, and PRAISE God you will see Tanner soon!! Oh Glorious Day!!

    2. Kris says:

      What I love about your testimony is that you aren’t saying “God is faithful, therefore my life is easy”. You are saying, “God is faithful, mostly in the terrible times”. We often think our lives should be easy because we follow God. Well, look at Jesus. He IS God and His life wasn’t easy. Thank you for sharing God’s faithfulness to you during the hardest times.

    3. Cee Gee says:

      Echoing our sisters thoughts, Traci. Your testimony has stood firm. ❤

  11. ERB says:

    Hi Beautiful She’s!! Wanted to share my notes from yesterday and today… Hope you are encouraged and lifted up!! Love, prayers and hugs!!! Xoxo


    Philippians 4:11-13
    *thank You Father for lovingly and patiently teaching me how to be content!! It hasn’t been an easy road, and I’m not finished learning or growing.. but wow, it has changed me and made a HUGE impact in my life!!! I’m so grateful!!
    **also LOVE the reminder that I can do ALL things through God!! Helps me to remember that I am never alone and that nothing happens without His permission!! Very encouraging!!!
    -1st

    Mark 14:36
    *Wow!! Thank You for what You did!!! And yes Lord, not my will, but Yours.. no matter the cost!! Amen.
    -1st

    2 Corinthians 12:10-11
    *God’s power is perfected in weakness and brokenness!! Reminds me of the ancient Japanese art called Kintsugi. It is a technique of repairing broken pottery with Gold, Platinum or Silver (most traditionally gold). It restores and transforms what was broken/useless into something way more beautiful/useful than it was before!! Love the imagery & analogy of pottery: the Potter = God & the Clay = us!! Another cool thing/analogy are the precious metals used… to repair and restore, they each have to go through a refining process in order to work and do what they are supposed to do!! Once refined and used these precious metals add value to the pottery!! Each “repair” is a testimony, that stands out, tells a story and reflects His glory!!! What a BEAUTIFUL representation of what God does with us!! Help me Lord to joyfully and willingly embrace hardships, persecutions and difficulties.. help me to remember that in my weakness You are made strong and prevalent!! Let Your Light SHINE SO BRIGHT that there is NO DENYING You!!! Amen. Oh, and thank You for the “Kintsugi” that You are constantly doing on me and ALL Your children!! So very grateful and honored to be Yours!!
    -1st

    Romans 8:18-25 FROM GROANS TO GLORY
    *I say these verses to myself VERY often, as this is what my heart and spirit feel!! Also, love the reminder of what HOPE & FAITH mean, as well as what it means to eagerly wait with patience!!! Pretty stinkin’ AWESOME!!! Our God is SO BEYOND GOOD!!! Very thankful!!!
    -31st

    John 15-18-25
    *an awesome confirmation of what we just read in 2 Cor 11. And an awesome reminder of what it means being in the world but not OF the world.. as well as ALL God has done for us and what truly following Him COSTS!!!
    -31st

    2 Corinthians 11:18-23
    *a madman for Christ..never thought about it like this before, but I like it, as it encourages the Body not to “fit in” or look “normal” to the world, but to instead submit and subject to God’s Way no matter how crazy it looks or how high the cost!!
    **I also love the encouragement not to put up with or participate with things that bring God and His testimony down!! Do not let the “world” numb/dumb down who God is and what He requires. Do not compromise!! Let His Life and Light be MOST prevalent!! Let us walk two miles instead of one (Mathew 5:41) ..and to quote Mathew 7:6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” ..let God lead and guide our steps/actions/movements. HE brings in the balance and wisdom!! Let us be willing!! And let us follow and obey God alone. Amen.

    2 Corinthians 11:30-31
    *in our weakness & foolishness God is made STRONG and KNOWN!!
    -31st

    1. Rhonda J says:

      Thank you Emily, I copied and saved them all!! Prayers your seizures stay away or controlled and fewer, and you stay strong and look to Him through the storms!

      1. ERB says:

        So glad they ministered to and encouraged you, Rhonda!! God is so awesome!!! Thank you for your prayers about my seizures and your encouragement to stay close and cling to God in the midst!! I appreciate that SO much as it makes me take a step back and look.. definitely makes my heart smile to see ALL that God is doing and has done!! I cling and look to Him with every fiber of my being!! He truly is my strength!! I feel VERY blessed and grateful!!! ❤️ Love you dear sister, have an amazing day!!! Xoxo

    2. Cee Gee says:

      ERB, thank you for these beautiful shares! The kintsugi info reminded me of the scars we carry – visible or invisible, they are reminders of trials we have faced and overcome by the power of our AWEsome God. God bless you! Praying in agreement with Rhonda for your health. Love you, little sis! ❤

      1. ERB says:

        Awww!! Thank you CeeGee!! Truly appreciate your thoughts and prayers!! I wish I could sit and talk to you all about my testimony and journey (it’s way too much to type here) but God has been and continues to be SO FAITHFUL!!! So much so, that even when I’m having a bad/hard day all I see is His goodness and faithfulness, such a LOVING God we serve!!!


        I loved your imagery of the scars both visible and invisible. Every single one is a blessing and testimony of how incredible our God is!! Also loved how you put: AWEsome!!! Our God truly leaves us in AWE every single day!! God Bless you dear sister!! Lots of love!! Xoxo

        1. Cee Gee says:

          ❤❤❤

    3. ERB says:

      UPDATE: Posted a picture of what Kintsugi looks like on the SRT Facebook page if you’re interested..

      1. Cee Gee says:

        Oh, I will check that out, but your details helped me have a clear visual! ❤

        1. ERB says:

          ❤️

    4. Kelly (NEO) says:

      Thanks❣️

      1. ERB says:

        ❤️

  12. GramsieSue says:

    Oh my goodness! What a great way to start our day.
    As I was reading all the Lore wrote I couldn’t help but think about all that all the She’s on this page are going through. And how many times we ask God to change the circumstances, heal those who are sick, right what is broken….And even when He doesn’t answer according to our wishes, God is still sufficient in our weakness, emptiness, pain, and sorrow.
    And through it all our hearts are changed.
    We are made more like Him.
    I will continue to ask for the healing, the fixing, the relief from pain, to comfort in sorrow…all the things we truly want. And I will continue to watch God work through it all.
    Hugs and prayers for all of you this morning. ❤️

    1. Rhonda J says:

      Yes, so good Sue!

    2. Cee Gee says:

      Amen! ❤

    3. Michelle P says:

      ❤️

    4. Tricia C says:

      Amen! We will all continue to pray for each other and ourselves in our difficult times. Isn’t it great that we have a family of believers who will bring our needs to the Throne?

  13. Cee Gee says:

    Sorry, the text box would not let me scroll to put the ending quotation marks and finish my previous comment. None of my usual ‘tricks’ worked.
    ~
    Praying for the many needs in this group and thankful for the answered prayers as they come. And with this study, I am thankful that no pain is wasted. We are either being healed physically or spiritually – and hopefully both! May God receive the glory and honor due Him! ❤

  14. Cee Gee says:

    Since so many of us are drawn to verse 5 in Chapter 12, I want to share this from Warren Wiersbe. It’s kind of long and speaks of what we already know in our hearts, but I just like how he breaks it down.
    ~
    From Paul’s experience, we may learn several practical lessons:

    The spiritual is far more important to the dedicated believer than the physical. This is not to suggest that we ignore the physical, because our bodies are the temples of the Spirit of God. But it does mean that we try not to make our bodies an end in themselves. They are God’s tools for accomplishing His work in this world. What God does in developing our Christian character is far more valuable than physical healing without character.

    God knows how to balance burdens and blessings, suffering and glory. Life is something like a prescription: The individual ingredients might hurt us, but when properly blended, they help us. Not all sickness is caused by sin. The argument of Job’s comforters was that Job had sinned, and that was why he was suffering. But their argument was wrong in Job’s case, as well as in Paul’s case. There are times when God permits Satan to afflict us so that God might accomplish a great purpose in our lives.

    There is something worse than sickness, and that is sin; and the worst sin of all is pride. The healthy person who is rebelling against God is in worse shape than the suffering person who is submitting to God and enjoying God’s grace. It is a paradox—and an evidence of the sovereignty of God—that God used Satan, the proudest of all beings, to help keep Paul humble.

    Physical affliction need not be a barrier to effective Christian service. Today’s saints are too prone to pamper themselves and use every little ache or pain as an excuse to stay home from church or refuse to accept opportunities for service. Paul did not permit his thorn in the flesh to become a stumbling block. In fact, he let God turn that thorn into a stepping-stone.

    “We can always rest in God’s Word. He always has a message of encouragement for us in times of trial and suffering.

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      YES!! I LOVE Wiersbe and how he interprets! His books are so good! I think I told you we read “Be Patient” in Job, and now reading “Be Hopeful” in Peter! Maybe I could share your comment with my nephew…

      1. Cee Gee says:

        Certainly, that would bless my heart! I am going to check into those books, too! Thanks for the reminder! Love you!❤

      2. Margaret W says:

        Even if he rolls his eyes at you, make sure that he knows of your unconditional love for him. That is the best testimony you can present to him. (And I am preaching this to myself as well, because none of my children really want to hear about Jesus right now, and it breaks my heart..

    2. Tricia C says:

      Thank you so much for sharing this CeeGee. What an encouragement!

      1. Cee Gee says:

  15. Kris says:

    I have to admit, I get a little lost when reading Paul – he’s so wordy and has so many run-on sentences. But I love the part where he quotes Jesus, “My grace is sufficient for you”. And further more in Philippians where he says he is content in whatever circumstances he is in because he can do whatever God asks because of Jesus. I need this today. I need to know Jesus’s grace is sufficient for me. I need to know that when I fail, Jesus never does. He doesn’t turn away, He doesn’t punish me by withholding Himself from me. On the contrary, He yearns for me to come back to Him and allow Him to hold me and restore me. I haven’t gone off the deep end or anything, but I’ve not been very attentive to Him this past month. And I’m seeing it in myself. Father, let me run back to You in full abandonment, let me experience Your goodness, Your forgiveness, Your sufficient grace. Restore to me the joy of salvation, the joy of having a personal relationship with You that never fails, never rejects. Let Your peace reign in my heart and mind. You are so good! and Your love never wavers.

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Same with me, Kris! I find it helpful to re-read the verses in the NLT, otherwise, I would get lost in the words.

    2. Rhonda J says:

      So good Kris, ty!

  16. Katie Megee says:

    As I am enduring a season of cancer treatment studying Paul’s letters (I’m also doing a deep dive into Romans 8) I fall more and more in love with the Words God breathed through Paul. His endless references to the battles between flesh and Spirit and our physical condition and assured decay and death have given me so much perspective and hope, and are such a guidebook for how to live with a chronic illness with joy and contentment. I simply love how the Lord can highlight sections of His Word and uncover things we have not seen before to make it intimately and personally applicable to every season of our lives ❤️

    1. Mia Faith says:

      I’m with you!! I don’t have cancer (praying for you) but just lost my husband suddenly and still reeling from losing my son 10 years ago! To also have chronic illness and I agree, Paul’s gives us words to ponder through it all.

      1. Rhonda J says:

        Yes! Thank you! Prayers for you and endurance and Strength to BOTH of you!!

    2. Tricia C says:

      Yes!

  17. Laura says:

    I copied down the same HRT quote as Kelly (NEO). “Faithfully following Jesus looks more like a cross than a crown.” So profound. I used to attend a church where the women’s group seemed like it was full of instagram together women. Everyone had perfect kids, perfect marriages, perfect finances. At least that was my impression. The prayer requests were for other people. The discussion revolved around God’s blessings and provision. I never felt like any crosses were shared, only crowns. If my faith hadn’t been strong, if I wasn’t a student of the Word, I think I would have walked away from Christianity and the church because I felt like such a misfit. Where are the other faithful Christian women who still have kids who are a mess? Have marriages that are rocky at times? Whose finances are not always in abundance? Who have bodies that seem to be falling apart? I need those people. I am so grateful that God brought me to a new church and a new group of women who ARE those people. Who feel free to share about their crosses and yet still love Jesus. Who can boast in their weaknesses because God is strong. And I am grateful for this online community as well. You are my people. Let’s go forward carrying our crosses while wearing our crowns of mercy and grace through Jesus Christ!

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Well said, Laura! Our church is also full of ‘those people’- the ones who “share their crosses” … So thankful for that and glad God sent us to those churches and to this community! ❤

    2. Kris says:

      Laura, I am one of those faithful women whose life is not perfect. Three of my four kids are not believers. My marriage was so bad it ended in divorce. My finances have been a mess. I’m getting older and seeing my body do things it didn’t when I was young. There are times when my faith is very weak, and my hope is almost unseen. What makes us faithful, though, is that we keep turning to Jesus for everything. We keep pushing forward, we keep going to the source we know is true – you are one of those women, too! God bless you richly today, and may His provision and healing pour into your life and body this day!!!

      1. Cee Gee says:

    3. Rhonda J says:

      Yes Laura…SO GOOD!! I think that was what my nephew was trying to say about “church people”…so fake, and good!!
      I have a church that bears their crosses and I love that my group shares our struggles and hard! Just as here!! It’s never going to be a perfect life, and some of it is much harder than other times…But God!! You and all the she’s are so encouraging, real, and wonderful!

    4. Michelle P says:

      I am grateful you are around others who can empathize and walk with you in the wrestling of your life. And BTW, a coffee and conversation is my love language ❤️ if God ever willed that, it would be a blessing!!! God bless you sis. Big hug to you!!

      1. Mercy says:

        Love you Michelle. Thank you!

    5. Mercy says:

      Amen. Nicky Gumbel (Alpha) he said something so profound, we impress people with our strengths, but we connect with our vulnerabilities. We gotta share our struggles and vulnerabilities, and let go of dignity and self glory, which is a form of pride that the church needs to stop with this outward appearance. I can’t stand that either.

  18. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    “Paul’s words to the Corinthians in this passage remind me that sometimes God doesn’t change our circumstances, not one bit. But He does change our hearts in the midst of everything, making us more like Him.”…This is the key to our whole walk with Jesus – recognizing that He might not change our circumstances, but that He changes our heart attitude about them and in doing so, we become more like Him.

    And isn’t this our desire and goal, to be more like Jesus? …How often have I prayed, “Lord help me to be like you, to have the mind of Christ, to love what you love to hate what you hate…” Then when testing and trials come (to make me more like Christ) I grumble, complain or beg Him to take them away. When will we learn? When will I learn?? His grace IS sufficient for me, for HIS power is made perfect in my weakness.

    ___________
    Thank you Father that You are always working to make me, and each one of my sisters – to be more like you. Give us strength when we are weak, let it be in Your power that we overcome, even if our circumstances do not change. Help us to trust our faithful, ever-present heavenly Father – even when nothing makes sense. In Jesus Name.

    ____________
    @Julie G. – praying for your husband and for his CAT scan tomorrow.
    @Shannon – praying for your circumstances.
    @Lynn from Alabama – praying for you and Jack – God’s abundant grace for this very difficult time.

    Have a blessed and thankful Thursday dear sisters!

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Thank you for these words/reminders of truth and encouragement, sweet sister! ❤ How is Jeff doing?

  19. Karrie says:

    Morning ladies, I havent posted in awhile. Having a hard time keeping up lately. My daughter moved home since she is done school and she’s struggling. I think she’s lost. School is done and now what? Reality is settling in for her. Please pray for guidance for her while seeking a job. She struggles with anxiety majorly and it’s so hard to not be a helicopter mom and step in and save the day. Lol.

    1. Cheryl Blow says:

      Prayers for your daughter

    2. Rhonda J says:

      Prayers for your daughter Karrie, Anxiety seems to be the common GIANT for the young ones today more than anything and finding their Identity!! We are reading that very Giant Killer chapter in my study for the week!! And I read parts outloud to my nephew yesterday and he said “I prayed a lot for God to take it away and he didn’t..so no, I don’t believe..” :( It’s hard to explain that, but today’s study did it so well so I shared some with him!!lol…he is probably rolling his eyes when he received the long text today!! haha. But praying over the giant for your daughter and him today!!

    3. Gwineth52 says:

      Dear Karrie
      You are her safe shelter; solid shoulders.
      Stand fast near the Savior.
      Pray without stopping!

      1. Karrie says:

        Thank you

  20. Rhonda J. says:

    Good morning She’s! I love these passages, we have read them a lot and pondered the “thorn in the flesh” issue. I am so glad that part is there, and that in our weakness is when His power is apparent! I have always made the best with my crooked spine, but oh the pain and discomfort…and now the weakness and hurting the last couple of years often wears me thin. But God-I know it could be worse, and many, many, many are worse so I can’t complain or moan, and what good does it do? It certainly doesn’t make it better!

    We look to God. We pray. We ask God to give us His covering, the wing that protects and comforts us. I am not one to step out away from my blanket and comforts…I probably could never be a missionary and give it all up to go preach and be a disciple..but being around people that are homeless or imprisoned or sick, emotionally hurting…All that makes me more aware, and I am thankful for that.

    Thank you Lord..thank you. When turning to you I am boasting in You and witnessing for you.

    My nephew was discussing Jesus yesterday, and I always wish I had the answers to give that would be the perfect thing, but I always feel like I don’t. I am praying that the seeds keep growing, he was a Christian as a young child and maybe pre teen..but in high school thought it all was useless. He said yesterday that God didn’t answer his prayers and so he thought he wasn’t really real. Oh God…keep pressing and pulling on his heart…and draw him in.

    Have a good day, prayers for you all.

    1. Cheryl Blow says:

      Praying for your nephew

  21. Susan Joiner says:

    Good morning everyone! What a great study. Paul was such an amazing person. What a life he lived! What an example to follow. If his life could be changed so drastically the possibilities for anyone are endless. I put myself in that category as well.
    I do have an update on little Wyatt. He has begun chemotherapy and other medications. I do know he is taking steroids 3 times a day. Please keep him and his family in your prayers for his healing according to God’s will. He has been at church for the past two Sundays. I’m hoping he will continue to do well and be able to keep coming. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Such encouraging news on Wyatt!!! Thanks, Susan! ❤

    2. Cheryl Blow says:

      Praying for Wyatt!

    3. Adrienne says:

      ❤️ Thanks for the update. Continued prayers for him and his family.

  22. Erica Chiarelli says:

    I’ve been leaning on this for a long time, esp recently..thank You God for Your sufficiency in my lack! You are always more than enough!

  23. Aimee D-R says:

    Father I need your Grace, Mercy, strength, peace and love! In Jesus name, Amen

  24. Kelly (NEO) says:

    From HRT today: “Faithfully following Jesus looks more like a cross than a crown. The power of the gospel is more profoundly displayed in human weakness and suffering than it is in demonstrated power and triumph. The reason for this is so God’s strength will be seen, even in our weakness. It’s so we can’t take any glory for what belongs solely to Him.”
    .
    LINDAK – safe and pain-free travels
    .
    SHANNON P – peace in the job search.
    .
    COLLEEN DEVEAU and ADRIENNE – may God mercifully grant you a full night of sound sleep
    .
    MARI V – strength and focus as you tackle all today in preparation for school to start.

    1. Mia Faith says:

      Thanks for sharing!! Feeling pretty “weak “ these days, as grief has an overwhelming. Leaning into His strength is the key!

      1. Maria Baer says:

        Continued prayers, Mia. Sending much love, sister.

    2. Adrienne says:

      ❤️ Thanks, Kelly.

  25. Tina says:

    I feel like we’ve gone full circle here..
    Grace, for us believers is..
    THE FREE AND UNMERITED FAVOUR OF GOD.
    .
    Let’s face it, when life throws us lemons, do we merit the favour of God? When we throw lemons? When we taste lemons and are faced with pain and anguish do we deserve THE FREE AND UNMERITED FAVOUR OF GOD?
    Speaking for myself, I know I do not merit the favour of God, for sins committed against God, wrongs done to others, idols I have chased.. the list goes on.. I am a sinner unworthy of His grace..
    .
    BUT GOD..
    He says to me in my weakness, when I am spent chasing things i shouldn’t, when I have listened to others and followed, when I have hit rock bottom, and I am weak and lost and sad, and broken, confused, ill and fading fast..
    It is then my Ever present Faithful God, says to me..
    “My FREE AND UNMERITED FAVOUR is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness ” God’s life sustaining power is made perfect when I am at my lowest, down and in need of the One in whose power I can rest.. and rest well.
    So let me, TINA, boast, all the more gladly about my weaknesses, not to big me up, but to lift Him high, for when I am weak, then I am strong, because He is my strength.
    AMEN.
    .
    On the mend and greatfully thankful for each of you and your prayers for yesterday. I actually managed to be with the grands in good spirits and strength. I flopped when I got home ..
    BUT GOD.. and your heard prayers meant I was blessed beyond beyond.
    Let me now pray the numbers blessing over you..
    The Lord bless you and keep you;
    The Lord make His face to shine on you, and be gracious to you;
    The Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace.
    Much love,
    Tina❤️

    1. Kelly (NEO) says:

      ❤️

    2. Jen F says:

      ❤️

    3. MamaJonk says:

    4. Cee Gee says:

      Bless you, sister! ❤

    5. Adrienne says:

      That Aaronic blessing always gives me such peace. I can almost feel His peace and grace just washing over me. Thanks, Tina. ❤️

    6. Michelle P says:

      ❤️❤️❤️

    7. MARTHA HIX says:

      ❤️

    8. Tricia C says:

      Amen

  26. Searching says:

    My grace is sufficient for you …
    I love seeing those words in red, Thank you, Jesus!

    Praying, sisters, for mentioned needs –
    LINDAK – relief from sciatic pain and safe travels
    MARIA BAER – healing of sick pup
    DANIELLE B and MIA FAITH – comfort, strength and encouragement in these difficult days
    SHANNON P – employment and financial provisions COLLEEN DEVEAU – loosening of financial tightness
    TINA – continued health improvement (and that time with the grands was grand!)
    ADRIENNE – med answers
    CEE GEE – that time with grands was/will be outstanding!

    Beautiful prayers and shares yesterday! Thank you, sisters!

    Prayer request for wisdom, sisters, in whether I wait for dr appointment tomorrow or go to urgent care today for ongoing nerve pain issue (I think) with additional symptoms this time.

    1. Kelly (NEO) says:

      Girl, praying the Lord gives you wisdom and relief.

    2. Lynne from Alabama says:

      Praying for answers/healing for your pain issues. I pray daily for you and others who suffer from chronic pain. ❤️❤️❤️

    3. AZ Walker says:

      Praying for your decision Searching and that you have answers and pain relief soon!

    4. Cee Gee says:

      Praying for divine direction in dealing with the pain issue! If you wait, I pray for a decrease in the level of pain and the issues it may cause with your mobility. Praying for the appointment and the doctor either way! Love you! ❤

    5. Adrienne says:

      Thank you for your prayers for me, Searching. Will add some for you today. ❤️

    6. Michelle P says:

      Searching, the Lord go before you and be with you. May you find the wisdom, healing, and comfort you need from Him. ❤️

    7. Maria Baer says:

      Thank you for your prayers for my pup.

    8. Mercy says:

      Praying dear SEARCHING.

  27. Tricia C says:

    You know, it is funny the things that come to mind when I think of all that the Lord has helped me with and gotten me through. I need to be reminded often, but when I remember, it is such sweetness. God is so Awesome!
    Blessings to each of you, dear Sisters.
    Tricia

  28. Mary Ann Graves says:

    His power is perfected in my weakness. Amen

  29. Colleen DeVeau says:

    I was encouraged as I read today’s curated Scripture.
    One brief thing in particular that stood out to me was the portion from Philippians 4. Money has been very tight lately with us having to choose what we need most in lieu of purchasing other things we need. I was just saying to a friend,
    “We need more things, but we just don’t have the money to spend. God provides though. We have what we [truly] need. We can be content and make due with what we have. We just need to budget properly. We do not do without. Things always work out.”
    I realize now that my spirit was paraphrasing some of Paul’s words: “…I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:11-13 CSB).
    and “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose,” (Romans 8:28 CSB).
    I suppose this is our prayer: May we be so engrossed and engaged with God’s Word that our words and beliefs reflect its truth to others.
    Like Paul keeps saying, I do not say these things to boast in myself but in the evident work God is doing through this weak, mortal body. All glory be to God.
    May God bless you and your family this day and always, my dear Shes. I love you and I am praying for you.

    1. Tricia C says:

      Colleen, I am praying for you and your situation right now. What a blessing that we have our Father to turn to, to hear us in our time of need. I’m not sure what I would do without His guidance and strength. Blessings to you for a sweet day.

    2. Cee Gee says:

      Colleen, sending love and prayers during this time of struggle. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and Scriptures today. ❤

    3. Cheryl Blow says:

      I was just thinking of Phil 4:11-13 before I read your comments! This is the key to living content in all circumstances! His grace is sufficient for us and we CAN do all things THROUGH Christ who strengthens us! Praise God!

      Praying for all of you!

  30. Adrienne says:

    So, guess who can’t sleep again? Ummm… me! I had an appointment with a nurse practitioner that I used to see and liked (when I lived south of where I do now). She ran some labs that we are still waiting for. I felt like she “heard me”, you know? Hope to have some answers for the neurological problems and sleep issues I am having. Please keep me in prayer.
    .
    All this to say that it is so hard to remember that His grace is sufficient. I even have a reminder tattooed on my arm. Do I look there often when I need to be reminded of His grace? Do I ask Him for help and protection, as I should? Do I let Him see my frustration? Ummm… no.
    .
    Lord, help me and my sweet sisters remember that You see us, and You hear us, and You have our backs all the time, even if (when!) we don’t see it. You love us, and we love you. Amen.

    1. Colleen DeVeau says:

      I am praying that you were able to fall asleep and sleep soundly, @ADRIENNE. I cannot sleep tonight either. I pray these words over all of us:
      “I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me live in safety,” (Psalms 4:8 VSB).

      1. Adrienne says:

        ❤️

    2. Tricia C says:

      Amen. I am sorry that you can’t sleep. I pray that answers are soon found. But, at the same time, what sweetness to spend unsleeping time in God’s Word. Love to you.

      1. Adrienne says:

        ❤️

    3. Cee Gee says:

      Oh, Adrienne, I am so glad you have such hope in what these new labs reveal and pray the answer/s is obvious! ❤

      1. Adrienne says:

        ❤️

    4. Mia Faith says:

      I have “El Roi” tattooed on my arm to remind me that He sees me!!

      1. Adrienne says:

        ❤️

      2. Rhonda J says:

        That’s awesome! I truly love God tattoos! Share it on FB with the others please!! I love to see them!

    5. Michelle P says:

      Praying you find some rest, Adrienne. It is so hard to function when you aren’t getting the sleep you need. It effects all parts of the body – nervous system, digestive system, brain function… I’m sure you’re feeling a little off…
      Praying God keeps you safe and healthy and helps you find His glory in this weakness. When we are weak, He is there and able . God bless you sis ❤️

      1. Adrienne says:

        ❤️

    6. MARTHA HIX says:

      Adrienne…I’m so thankful for your encouraging appointment and that you felt seen and heard by your nurse practitioner. Praying for you and let us know how your labs turn out and possible treatment alternatives. ❤️

      1. Adrienne says:

        ❤️

    7. Gwineth52 says:

      Ah, Adrienne
      Wretched Wakefulness!
      Having once been in that unfortunate zone, praying you find answers & antidote real soon. Wishing you body & soul rest!

      1. Adrienne says:

        ❤️