The Grace That Meets Us

And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. – (2 Corinthians 9:8, HCSB)

And God can give you more blessings than you need, and you will always have plenty of everything. You will have enough to give to every good work. – (2 Corinthians 9:8, ERV)

God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. – (2 Corinthians 9:8, MSG)

God is ready to overwhelm you with more blessings than you could ever imagine so that you’ll always be taken care of in every way and you’ll have more than enough to share. – (2 Corinthians 9:8, VOICE)

When we give generously of our time, talents and resources, God is able to bless us beyond what we need. He does this so that we are equipped to do what needs to be done, and can share and give, knowing that all that we have is because of Him. In my life, I have experienced this over and over again. As I have chosen to continue to be faithful to give, He has provided all that I have needed and more. God, who made all that is with the work of His hands, is able to supply all that we need. Just this week I have seen this each day. My job has been exhausting, and it has been compounded this week as my husband has been out of town for work. Incredibly, I have gotten better sleep this week than I have in years, despite my intentional choice to continue to rise early to spend time with Him. Additionally, He is providing the help I need to move forward in an assignment that I am ill-prepared to do. It is not by my strength, but by His, and through His loving kindness that He is granting me all that I need and more. May we ever seek God to be our strength and source, so that we may do the good that He is calling us to do.

With goodness and grace,

My sweet, loyal, loving boy, Thor. ❤

The Lord will come near;

He meets all our needs,

And calms all our fears.

Ever He calls us,

To be and do more;

Not in our own strength,

He opens new doors.

Often in a way,

That we have not seen;

So we count on Him,

To learn new routines.

His grace is enough,

For He’s our supply;

To keep pressing on,

He hears ev’ry cry.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You bless us in amazing ways as we choose to keep giving of ourselves as You call us to do. Thank You that You have more than enough of what we need to keep us moving forward in the direction to which we are called. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we cannot see how there is a way. Teach us to ever lean into You, and to continue to pour out to those around us. Show us how to love those around us best, so that they too may experience the overflowing goodness of Your kindness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You and praise You for who You are and how You meet our needs with Your abundance. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. – 2 Corinthians 9:11

Readily and Cheerfully

Do everything without grumbling and arguing. – (Philippians 2:14, HCSB)

Do everything without complaining or arguing. – (Philippians 2:14, ERV)

Do everything readily and cheerfully – no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! – (Philippians 2:14, MSG)

It is always good to be reminded of the attitude that we ought to have throughout our day. Today is timely, as this happens to be a day bookended with extra meetings. Rather than be grumbly about having to meet, I can cheerfully give thanks that I am gainfully employed and that we meet to be and do better in all that we do. May we ever seek the Lord to help us do all things readily and cheerfully, without complaining or arguing. He is good, and His love knows no end.

O Lord, show us how,

To do all with love;

Without complaining,

Seek Your grace above.

Help us be cheerful,

With hearts set to serve;

To extend goodness,

Despite what’s deserved.

Make our heart like Yours,

Full of love and grace;

Teach us to run well,

Each leg of our race.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to do all things readily and cheerfully, for that is one way that we can demonstrate the depth of Your love. Forgive us for our frustrations that have led to complaining or arguing. Teach us to take all things in stride as You do. Show us how to cheerfully approach all things with grateful hearts. Lead us to love those around us well, so that they might come to know the power of Your great love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to help us do all things without grumbling or complaining, but rather approach all things with a cheerful and grateful heart. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8

Help in the New

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – (Philippians 4:6, NIV)

Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. – (Philippians 4:6, ERV)

Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. – (Philippians 4:6, VOICE)

This is a timely reminder, as I have been feeling a bit anxious about a new role that I will be filling. I am excited and overjoyed, yet nervous because I feel ill-equipped and want to do things well. God knows my heart, and I have been blessed with the opportunity. Even now, as I anticipate what is yet to come, I need to place it all before Him and trust, for He knows what I need before I do, and is faithful to meet me each time I seek Him. My part is to do all that I can to properly prepare, and to continue to seek the Lord as I trust in Him to lead and guide me well. He is faithful and I will trust in Him. May we ever present our requests before our Redeemer, for with Him, we need not worry nor be anxious, but rather give Him thanks for all that is yet to come.

Do not be anxious,

About anything;

Instead, go to God,

Give all to our King.

Every request,

He’s faithful to hear;

God leads and guides us,

Ever He is near.

So, give God the praise,

Thank Him for all things;

Opportunities,

He lovingly brings.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and faithful to hear our every request. Thank You that You provide new opportunities for us to step out, learn and grow. Thank You that we need never walk alone, for You are faithful to be present and provide the help we need. Forgive us for the anxious ways in us, as anxiety comes when we think about navigating the new on our own. Teach us to seek You and to place all our concerns in Your hands. Lead us to move forward in faith. Show us how to strengthen, support and encourage those around us in ways that make Your overwhelming love evident. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to lead and guide us in all that we do. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

Prayer Over Worry

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)

Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds. – (Philippians 4:6-7, ERV)

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. – (Philippians 4:6-7, MSG)

 

As usual, what is part of my scheduled daily reading, is exactly what I needed to remember this morning. Part of the joy and blessing in our new puppy, is the constant companion who joyfully wants to join me in all things. The thing I have been most excited about, has been to have a dog who can run with us. For the last week, Thor (my sweet puppy), has been joining us on jog/walk/carries on weekday mornings. Two dear dog-owning friends privately messaged me to be careful about how far I take a puppy. I thought I was using caution, as I watched his cues, and picked him up to carry him any time he seemed weary or bored of walking. Sadly, unless I know specifics, I just do what seems best until I learn otherwise. One of the friends happened to send me a link about puppies and how much exercise they need, based on age, and all of the justification as to why. That sent me to research further, only to discover that I now need to pump the brakes on our morning sessions until Thor is quite a bit older. This caused two-fold anxiety in me. One, I felt horrible that I had likely overdone the exercise for my poor puppy for four or five days, and second, I was worried about how I would be able to stand staying seated for all of the hours of work that I need to do each day, without getting out and moving first. My prayer was pretty much, “O God, now what?” I paused, took a deep breath, and decided to call my running buddy. She was extremely gracious, and we determined to get back to afternoon running, as it is when I could recruit my boys to puppy sit. I know this is a small and seemingly insignificant concern, but God cares about our every concern, great and small. May we ever present our cares and concerns to Christ, for He hears, He loves, and He brings everything together for good somehow.

 

We need not worry,

Instead, let us pray;

For Christ hears each cry,

All night and all day.

What concerns our hearts,

He’ll carry with peace;

As we turn to Him,

Our fear is released.

So, lift head and heart,

To Him, give all care;

He’s ever-present,

And everywhere.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can bring all of our concerns, cares and anxieties to You, and You care and bring us Your peace. Thank You that You are always ready and available to hear our prayers. Forgive us for fear and doubt that allow anxiousness a foothold. Teach us to trust You more, for You are faithful and kind and care about our concerns, no matter how small. Show us how to love those around us in tangible ways that make Your peace an obvious presence. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and trust You in all things. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? – Luke 12:25

 

 

Meeting Every Need

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. – (Philippians 4:19, NIV)

My God will use His glorious riches to give you everything you need. He will do this through Christ Jesus. – (Philippians 4:19, ERV)

You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes. – (Philippians 4:19, MSG)

 

Can I get really real about God’s economy right now? For me, this has little to do with anything financial, and everything to do with time, people and strength. After having spent three years of my life as a missionary, I trust Him with finances. I know He will supply all that is needed, as it is needed. A more challenging side for me is for practical or emotional things. “Gutting things out” and “powering through”, have been my mode of operation for much of my life. Though God has disrupted my typical patterns time and time again to show me that He has me, and I give Him things over and over again, there is a part of me that still struggles with the seemingly small stuff.

Yesterday, mom had another phenomenal day! During physical therapy, she walked (heavily assisted) a good eight feet down the hallway, and she was able to move her right leg in and out with knees up when she was lying on her back. I had to fend off tears of joy at the wave of hope that flooded my happy heart.  Sadly, I felt caught in an ebb tide during speech therapy, as the therapist was explaining that mom also has aphasia (which we recognized but did not know the name – as it is when the person knows what they want to say, but can’t find the right words or can’t get them out). Watching mom struggle with verbal and visual tasks that she would have worked on with my boys when they were little, felt as if I were being drug out to sea, so far beyond the shore that I would never find my way back. The teacher in me gave mom a verbal cue that I would have given a student, and it gave mom the tool she needed to complete that particular task. Provision by His grace. Additionally, I have been antsy to get out and move. Sitting is a challenge for both mom and myself, and I know it has been hard on her. We have been told that it is no problem to take mom outside, and one therapist even suggested the coffee shop across the street. There were no particular boundaries given, so mom and I took the liberty to explore a little. I made sure we both had sunscreen and sunhats, (as it was 82 yesterday) and we started off by doing a big lap around the facility, that covers a full city block. Mom was thoroughly enjoying “cruising” as I pushed her in her chair, and I, the movement and huge smile on her face. After asking her if she was okay with us exploring further, she got a mischievous grin, and replied, “yes”. Our adventure took us another five blocks down Chelan Avenue before we turned around to head back. I had my purse and cell phone with me as safety precautions, and all was wonderful. Upon our return, we settled in and watched a movie, and mom’s bestie stopped by for a quick hug and hello. At the same time, she brought me the most amazing spinach and strawberry salad for dinner, and there was enough to left to have for lunch today as well. (Preparing dinner after leaving the hospital at 7:30 pm or so is not a joy, especially since my sister is back in Albany for now) June’s provision granted me the energy and determination to run errands after leaving the hospital, instead of going straight home to mom’s house. While wandering through Target, I became overwhelmed. I imagine it was simply the roller coaster of the day catching up to me, but if anyone had been watching me walk through the store, I think they might have thought I was on something. Somehow, I managed to find the few things I intended to purchase, but had this horrible empty, alone feeling. In the midst of it, I received a perfectly timed text from a friend, whom I appreciate so much from school, who was just checking in. It was what I needed when I needed it. Between messages from my bestie, check-ins with my children, and a day-closing conversation with my incredibly supportive spouse, I ended the day knowing all was in His hands. God knows. God provides. People are His greatest riches; we simply must keep our eyes open to see them.

 

Holy, beloved,

On the side of the road as I drove home last night. ❤

The Lord above all;

Faithful Provider,

He won’t let us fall.

Our needs are all known,

Not one goes unseen;

As we seek the Lord,

We learn what love means.

Love sees and love knows,

The things of the heart;

That cause fear and doubt,

Lies that tear apart.

When we are open,

In love, the Lord moves;

Needs met tangibly,

His power, He proves.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace, and for the way that You love us so very well. Thank You that You are our Provider, and that we need not worry about having or being enough. Thank You that You provide the strength and resources we need to overcome every obstacle that stands before us. Forgive us for thinking that we have to power through things or gut them out on our own, as Your do not call us to that. Thank You that You never leave us nor forsake us, even when we feel alone. Thank You that You make Your love tangible. Show us how to be Your hands, heart and voice to those around us, so that others too, may be unarguably aware of Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You thanks for Your faithful provision and Your power as You continue to move on Mom’s behalf. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11