“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)

 

This past Thanksgiving season for me was bittersweet, but still blessed. Even though our family is not where we want to be, having want we want to have, and doing what we want to do; God’s grace is sufficient for us.

 

It’s particularly true for me, because it was Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1996 that I was born-again and received the gift of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; after a long illness and losing everything that I had. I reflected as I was preparing the meal for my family; on how much of God’s grace was poured into me during that season.

 

Because of that season, no matter what is going on with our family, I still have joy in my heart because of the personal relationship that I have with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Every Thanksgiving is a constant reminder of how much God really loves me. When I cried out, “Save me!” He was right there telling me to, "Hold on!"

 

And when I couldn’t figure out how I was going to get up from that bed of affliction, He took me by the hand and walked me right out. It’s been 28 years since I was first placed on Social Security disability, eventually I was able work part-time and even went to college part-time, but I officially came off of disability on  January 1, 2019. It was a new year, a new beginning, and a new chapter in my life’s journey from disability to ability. It wasn’t easy, but I just let God lead me one-step-at-a-time.

 

It’s such a wonderful blessing, because my earlier medical report for 1995 states, “she will never get better.” When I read it back then, I was insulted, but all the more determined not to give into their perception of my ability or my life.

 

I can’t boast about me at all, my soul makes her boast in the Lord. It’s because His grace is sufficient for me and His strength is indeed made perfect in my weakness. So, like the Apostle Paul, I too, "...will boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."

 

Let me encourage you to boast about your weaknesses, too. Remembering, God takes those weaknesses and trades them in for His strength! “Hold on.” You will get up as long as you don’t give in! 

 

Prayer:

Father, I am so grateful for your saving grace. Not just for eternal salvation, but also for, daily salvation. When the troubles of this world try to overtake me, it is Your saving grace that sustains me. I am daily grateful for Your presence, which allows me to enjoy Your daily presents in their various forms. Help me always to remember Your goodness and Your tender mercies, so I can always remember to give You praise, daily. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.