The Lord's Sufficient Grace
The Lord said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. -2 Corinthians 12:9-10
One afternoon, I began to feel weak with flu-like symptoms. I thought I'd be tough and sweat it out. Two days later, I was in the ER and then admitted into the hospital.
I remember a battery of tests, CT scans, MRIs, bloodwork, and, finally, the diagnosis: spinal meningitis. The eight long days quarantined in the hospital, thinking of my wife and children, wondering if I would live.
The doctor said the reason for sickness was exhaustion. My body was drained. My immunities were down. I had been trying to be everything from the custodian to the CEO of the new church plant. The doctor said, "You're not Superman."
In the end, God gave me a second chance. I realized that Jesus died for the church and I couldn't grow this church by sheer will or my efforts alone. The members were going to have to be the church together. As the days, weeks, and months unfolded, I watched the members step up, and God grew church. We are the body of Christ, and by His grace we will work together for His glory.
Prayer : Lord Jesus, help me to rely on Your grace to enable me to do what You want me to do. And, by Your grace, may the church I'm involved in serve You well. Amen.
One afternoon, I began to feel weak with flu-like symptoms. I thought I'd be tough and sweat it out. Two days later, I was in the ER and then admitted into the hospital.
I remember a battery of tests, CT scans, MRIs, bloodwork, and, finally, the diagnosis: spinal meningitis. The eight long days quarantined in the hospital, thinking of my wife and children, wondering if I would live.
The doctor said the reason for sickness was exhaustion. My body was drained. My immunities were down. I had been trying to be everything from the custodian to the CEO of the new church plant. The doctor said, "You're not Superman."
In the end, God gave me a second chance. I realized that Jesus died for the church and I couldn't grow this church by sheer will or my efforts alone. The members were going to have to be the church together. As the days, weeks, and months unfolded, I watched the members step up, and God grew church. We are the body of Christ, and by His grace we will work together for His glory.
Prayer : Lord Jesus, help me to rely on Your grace to enable me to do what You want me to do. And, by Your grace, may the church I'm involved in serve You well. Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment