Gratitude for Grace

Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. – (2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT)

But the Lord said, “My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by My power.” So I will boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me. – (2 Corinthians 12:9, ERV)

But He answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and My power finds its full expression through your weaknesses.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. – (2 Corinthians 12:9, TPT)

 

As this saga continues with my leg, I have come to a place where my heart is beginning to grasp a tremendous amount of gratitude. Though I feel extraordinarily frustrated with this space of inactivity, I recognize God’s great grace in the discovery and diagnosis in my calf, for if it had gone unnoticed, it could have been fatal. I don’t know that I am necessarily celebrating my weakness, but I certainly am giving gratitude to God for sparing me from what could have been. His strength is enough to carry me through, and His grace reminds me that this is merely a short season to rise and stand strong in Him. May we ever give glory to God in all things, for He is our strength in our weakness, and His grace grants us power to persevere when we have nothing left.

 

God’s grace is enough, 

Whatever we face;

He will be our strength,

His power in place.

For where we are weak,

The Lord, He is strong;

As we trust in Him,

We will not go wrong.

He’s most clearly seen,

In our weakest space;

Power made perfect,

By His lavish grace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your grace is all that we need. Thank You that Your power is made evident in our weakness. Thank You that You meet us in our need and supply Your strength to carry us by Your grace. Forgive us for our frustration and lack of faith when we cannot see past our own fears. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would remember that Your power is perfect when we are not strong, so it is okay to turn to You and be carried in our spaces of weakness. Show us how to love those around us in a way that offers strength and hope and encouragement in spaces of struggle. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust Your grace to be enough, as Your power prevails when we are weak. Amen.

 

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

May God Almighty grant you mercy. – Genesis 43:14

To Run With A Race Plan

For me, running has been a parallel to my Christian walk. Some runners jump out of the gate with enthusiasm and train hard for a short season. Some burn out before they even attain their goal of reaching race day, while others arrive on race day, run, then are over it. Then there are those of us who recognize the need for consistency over time. Accountability and a buddy help too. When discipline and decision enter in, and training is turned into a lifestyle, running becomes a part of who you are, rather than something you once did.

 

Our faith walk is the same way. Some eagerly join Bible studies or participate in activities, yet until there is a commitment to make Christ a priority, time with Him will go by the wayside. When a choice is made to create the intentional time to be with Him, to spend time in His word and in prayer, it becomes a part of who we are, and our day will no longer feel complete without it.

 

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. – (1 Corinthians 9:25)

 

The race we are running is a marathon, not a quick sprint. This race requires purpose and discipline. If we are to gain the crown that lasts forever, we must seek and follow the Lord’s race plan, rather than our own. His plan requires hard work, self-discipline and stamina. However, each of these things He will provide as we are dependent on Him. May we seek the Lord daily and depend on Him as we each run the race He has called us to run.

 

Let’s not grow weary,

in this race we run;

it takes a lifetime,

before it is done.

Training is needed,

to finish our race;

time spent with the Lord,

as we seek His face.

We seek not the crown,

that soon fades away;

but rather the one,

for heaven’s display.

Don’t go it alone,

instead, invest well;

united bodies,

together impel.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us not to a sprint, but to a lifelong race. Thank You that You do not just say “GO” and expect us to figure it all out as we go, but rather You have given us all that we need to run well with endurance, the race You are calling us to run. Thank You for Your word, Your Spirit, and the body of believers that surround us. Forgive us for trying to run ahead of You, or for falling behind, for fear of what lies ahead. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will run our race – that which You have called us to – individually. Lead us to love others well, just as You so wonderfully love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they recognize just how faithful You are in each of our lives. Be glorified O God, as we run our race with endurance, trusting You and Your race plan for our every step of the way. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28