My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
I am alone. Gray skies, snow falling. The cold and
dreary weather fed my mood. 1200 miles from home, seeking medical treatment
where I know no one, I felt overwhelmed and depressed. Chronic pain, not
sleeping well, finding my way for appointments and meals, struggling with computer
problems—I worked myself into a real pity party.
“My grace is sufficient …” No matter where I looked
this verse came to me.
“Then why am I alone, Father? Why am I sick anyway?
Haven’t I suffered enough? Isn’t it time for a break?”
“My grace is sufficient.” But I felt empty, out of
sorts, grumpy, and irritable.
A walk through a major medical center always changes
perspective. However, I didn’t want to rejoice that I wasn’t as sick as someone
else. I wanted to be well, strong, healthy, and home, anywhere except where I
was.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives an example: “the
sufficiency of the portions is such that you will leave the restaurant with a
full stomach but without doggie bags”. Do you get it? Enough. Not too much.
Enough to satisfy my momentary needs, not enough for tomorrow or next week but
enough for today—sufficient.
My travel went well, flights on time, weather fine.
I couldn’t complain. People at the small, regional airport smiled. The young
man at the rental car counter offered to bring the car around since it was
raining—a nice gesture. The car was red. Any car would have been sufficient,
but God gave a little extra.
Then I received a comment to a Facebook post. What
are the odds an author from my small publisher would find me and invite me to
church? I sat with him and his wife. The pastor prayed for me. They invited me
for lunch. I was greeted warmly and invited back.
I wasn’t alone. My situation remained the same but
God was sufficient. I was down, He gave me a smile. I was lonely, He gave me a
church.
Whatever weighs you down, God is sufficient. And
sometimes, because God loves to see us smile, He gives a little bit extra. A
little red car and new friends.
Sufficient grace. Thank Him.
©
Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, March 20, 2016
About the author:
Norma
Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years,
her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches
Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American
Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and the New Mexico
Christian Novelists. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New
Mexico with her husband of 40 years. They have two adult children.
Connect with
Norma:
Book Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/land-of-my-dreams-norma-gail/1119606864?ean=9781941103173
Amen. Great post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great reminder!
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