June 2, 2014.

“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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 12:7-9)

Have you ever had that one thing that you thought you could not get over? That one thing that you didn’t think you could get through? That time in your life that you thought nothing would ever get better? I have. It seems that Paul did too, though probably for a different reason than us (but maybe not). And honestly, I don’t have some great word of wisdom that will clear the way and make life grand. I know that our Lord cares and hears us when we call out. But I also know that God has a way of growing us in ways that we can’t even imagine. It takes patience. I’m not all that great at patience. But I will press on, I will endure with The Lord as my guide. May he grant us all strength and perseverance.

Here I stand, Lord, my heart beat,
My hands bruised and my knees weak.
My head bowed, the outlook bleak.

Here I come, Lord, my soul outpoured,
So far away from heavens shore,
In need of wisdom more and more.

Here I bow, Lord, with nothing left,
My spirit broken, my soul unkept,
A dirty floor that once was swept.

Here I ask, Lord, here I pray,
That in your word I always stay,
Let not my wandering spirit sway.

Suggested Daily Reading: Psalm 13, Acts 27-28, II Corinthians 12.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

-Walter