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 the same lesson over and over and over: Your grace is all I need and Christ’s power is most fully released through my weakness. This way of life is both counterintuitive and paradoxical, and, at the same time, both freeing and stress-relieving.
I look forward to the Day when I’ll never again crave competency and control, self-sufficiency or self-anything. I know that Day is coming, Father, but well before then, please free me to boast in, (not bemoan), my weaknesses. Grant me faith to accept my limitations and quirks, my body pains and heart wounds; the personality you gave me, and the grace you offer me.
Though I’d rather be a swaggering vessel of togetherness and impressiveness, giftedness and smartness, help me delight in being a fragile jar of clay—releasing the aroma of grace, the wonders of your love, and the beauty of your heart. Free me from comparing myself to anybody, by keeping me smitten with the beauty of Jesus and the excellency of knowing him. Indeed, may Jesus increasingly become my treasure, the gospel my delight, and grace my “enough-ness.”
Father, free me to live today at rest in your love, at home in my brokenness, and engaged with my neighbors. Thank you for your endless patience, inexhaustible forbearance, and great delight in us, your children. May your love be the most compelling and transforming influence in our lives today. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.