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 Cor. 12:9 (NLT)
We ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 2 Cor. 4:7 (NLT)
Heavenly Father, I wish I didn’t have to keep learning this same lesson again and again. Your grace is all I need, and Christ’s power is released through my weakness. This way of life is counterintuitive and paradoxical, and at the same time, it is glorious and freeing. You call us to be present with you, not impressive to others—to live in awe of you, leaving being awesome to Jesus.
Father, I wish I was completely done with the quest for competency, control, and self-sufficiency. I know that Day is coming, but well before Jesus’ return, free me to boast in, not bemoan my weaknesses. Grant me grace to accept my limitations and brokenness, heart wounds and body pains. Speaking of which, too much yard work on Labor Day has my lower back angry with me—demanding I learn Yoga, or at least remember I’m not 27 anymore.
Father, help me be more accepting with being a fragile jar of clay, releasing the aroma of grace and beauty of humility. Though I’d rather be a swaggering vessel of togetherness, that’s not the way of the Gospel. Free me from comparing myself to anybody. May Jesus increasingly be my treasure, the gospel my delight, and grace my sufficiency.
Thank you for your endless patience, inexhaustible forbearance, and great delight in us—your children. May your love be the most compelling, freeing, and transforming influence in our lives today. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.