All Sufficient Grace

I have struggled for years with health issues.  Yes, it is frequently tempting and more to run headlong into a drippy pity party.  However much it is tempting, this would not be a reaction that would honor my Lord and Savior.  Now, don't misunderstand.  I am not some great spiritual guru, nor am I a particularly saintly person.  I struggle sometimes daily with depression, frustration, hopelessness and defeat.

Now, I know that my struggles are not unusual or unique in any way.  I know people that have greater physical problems than myself, but I also know that God has put me in this situation for a reason.  I am not uniquely gifted or extraordinarily capable to deal with this situation.  However, God has taught me a great deal about myself and about His amazing grace, provision and strength.   Without these I would not have made it to this point in my life.  Even on the days when I have to take just a minute at a time, He is always there to give me the strength and grace to make it through that minute, and then on to the next, and the next.

Our Father has so much love for His children and He is not blind to our troubles and hurts.  After all if He knows the number of hairs on our heads, surely he knows the grief and cares of our hearts.

One of the greatest tools that God has given us, in addition to the Bible, to help us through these times is our local churches and Christian brothers and sisters.  Whether our help comes from participating in your regular services or from the fellowship with fellow members, your local church is a recourse that cannot be too highly regarded.  If your church is like mine, your fellow members are kind and caring and a huge source of encouragement.  I believe that this is part of God's purpose for the local church.

So if you have a friend that you haven't seen  as much as you would like, remember that there may be trials in his or her life that are too personal or painful to share.  Remember that you could be the one that they need encouragement from today.  You can be either a help or a hindrance to others, so let us all endeavor to be the caring person that God would have us to be and offer a word of encouragement where we can.


So on the days when I am really dragging, emotionally or physically, I have learned to lean on the only One who can  give me the strength and grace to make each and every day one to be lived with joy.  Yes, there are still days when I stumble and fall on my face, but my Savior is there to pick me up and set me on my feet again.  So don't give up.  Don't give in to the fear or the feelings.  Do live each day to the fullest!  May God bless you richly and help you to see them too.  And may we all remember to lift up those around us every chance that we are given.




By the way, all of the pictures here were taken by me.  I have not used my blog name on them so that if you want to print and use them in your decorating scheme you can.  I hope that you enjoy them.