Thankful Thursday ~ God's Sufficiency

As I sat outside this morning reading God's word, I was so thankful for the peacefulness that surrounded me. The birds were singing, the temperature was very moderate with the sun shining brightly, and our golden retriever Lucy was lolling in the grass.  It is easy to be thankful in such a setting, but the words I read in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 reminded me that I can also be thankful for the difficulties in my life. Some of them come and go, and one in particular is chronic and has been my "thorn in my flesh" for many years.  Sometimes, as I go through trials, I tend to want to just get through them and then I thank God for removing them. But Paul was thankful IN them; in fact, he "delighted in weakness, insults, hardships, persecution and difficulties." And then he said, "For when I am weak, then I am strong."

So today, I want to thank God for the physical pain that slows me down and reminds me that He is my strength. I share this not to draw attention to my condition, but to emphasize that because of it, He is my sufficiency. He is all I need each day and He promises me:

"My grace is sufficient for you,

for My power is made perfect in weakness."

2 Corinthians 12:9

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for being everything I need. You provide for me abundantly, but YOU are my great provision. When I go through trials, I thank you for Your grace and mercy to see me through them. I thank You for the witness of Paul's words, that I may see the Son in the difficult times as well as the good.  Thank You for loving me so much that You suffered and died for me and for all mankind, that we all might live eternally with You. Amen.

Yes, I have much to be thankful for today; God's sufficient and abundant grace!

Please join Lynn at Spiritual Unequal Marriage for Thankful Thursday.