I’ve started this blog post several times, and trashed it several times. I’m finding it difficult to say what I feel like I need to say today. What I have to say today may not sound super spiritual, but I know some of you out there are facing similar doubts, fears, frustrations, and failures. The God I serve is the God of my weakness. That sounds strange, but what I mean is simple: God can and does use me, with all my doubts, fears, frustrations and failures, to point others to His perfect strength and power. I’m thankful that in my desperate imperfection that God knows my name, loves me, hears my cries, and that my prayers are precious to Him.
For as long as I can remember I’ve struggled with feelings of worthlessness, needing constant reassurance from everyone I love and serve that I am doing a good job. Though I’m struggling in my insecurity, I am thankful that my God is patient, kind, merciful, and full of grace towards a sinner like me. I am thankful that Jesus is the One who calls out to sinners, failures, the outcast and unwanted, and tenderly calls to them: “come” (Matthew 11:28).
What are you struggling with today? Whatever sin holds you captive, whatever fear fills your heart, whatever failure haunts you, whatever frustration seems impossible to overcome, Jesus alone can truly set you free (John 8:36). I am reminded of the story Paul shares in 2 Corinthians 12. In the Scripture Paul recounts a time where he pleaded with the Lord to remove a thorn from his flesh. Though Paul doesn’t tell us exactly what the “thorn” was, what he does tell us is the beautiful reply of Jesus:
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).
I leave you with this reminder today: the grace of Jesus Christ is sufficient. Whatever storm, trial, or tribulation you find yourself in, through faith in Jesus you don’t have to face a step alone. Through our faith in Jesus and because of His finished work on the cross at Calvary, we can come boldly before the throne of God to find mercy and grace to help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
