I’m taking a brief break from my Romans deep dive to share some practical advice from the Word of God on how not to fall apart when life kind of stinks.
My husband recently had a health scare that led to more discoveries and we’re going on day five of his hospital stay. He is doing okay right now, and it is incredible how God has had His hand on all of this. We are thankful, hopeful, and eager to get to the other side of this, but it’s scary, and we’re tired. The other day in my journal I wrote: “I’m physically, mentally, and emotionally drained.” As soon as I put a period at the end of that sentence, this verse came to mind:
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
A quick backstory because context matters.
Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthian church to encourage them to stand firm in the face of intense opposition. He tells them of a “thorn” he was given. A “messenger of Satan” that threatened to take him down. Paul begged God to remove this thorn, but He didn’t. Instead, He reminded Paul that he had all the grace and strength he needed to sustain him.
Paul doesn’t elaborate on the “thorn,” and it is widely understood to be a chronic physical ailment. Also, he received the thorn to keep his feet planted on earth after an incredible glimpse of heaven. Our thorns may be of a different kind, but God’s promise of grace and power are the same because all of God’s promises are “yes and amen” in Christ Jesus.
Beware of destructive self-talk.
When life kind of stinks, and it feels as though your prayers are not being answered, there are two different stories you can tell yourself. One story says: “I’ve got no strength left. It’s time to curl up in a ball and surrender to pain, fear, and anxiety.” That is the enemy’s favorite story and it will immobilize and destroy you. The other story says: “God’s got this. He is in control of the journey and the outcome. His grace is continually available to give me all the strength I need along with peace, power, perspective, patience, and perseverance.” This is the true story, and it will embolden and restore you.
God’s grace is a constant reality for a follower of Christ. He has promised His divine enablement without exception. If you’re not “feeling” His grace and strength, it’s because the enemy has disrupted your perspective. Don’t look around, look up! All the power, grace, and promises of God are yours. You are His child, and He loves you immensely.
As a child of God, your story is: “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
So, what do you do when life kind of stinks?
Speak truth into your situation. Read the Word of God aloud. Worship with all your heart and soul. Allow your brothers and sisters in Christ to minister to you. Rest in your Savior’s arms. Abide in His promised presence. Take one step forward at a time. And when you don’t even have the strength to reach out and grab the hem of His garment, know that He has His arms around you. He will carry you when you are too weak to walk.
I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.
Isaiah 46:4 NLT
Jesus never promised a pain-free life. Quite the opposite, in fact! But what He did promise repeatedly is His grace and His presence. When you face something that is too much for you to bear on your own, remember, you are not on your own! Rest in your Savior’s arms and allow Him to carry you through.
