Sufficient grace, something no one feels, yet God makes it available and enables us to bless others in the midst of the most trying circumstances. Enjoy a repeat of one of my favorites!

 

 

2MefromHim Devotionals

Sufficient Grace

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Sufficient grace: plenty or ample favor, good will, kindness, or benefaction. The gift of an all-loving, ever-present, all-knowing God.

Sufficient Grace Means Purpose for My Pain

Pain is a relative term. As an RN on a busy orthopaedic unit, I learned that the slightest twinge can make a grown man cry. I live with more than twinges; my nursing career sidelined by pain that gnaws at me day and night, pain that begins with a capital “P”.

A life of pain means walking a hard road, but God meets me in my pain. Jesus understands because He suffered too. In the midst of my pain, God gives me Himself. When I can’t take another step, Jesus carries me. In the middle of the night, his Spirit speaks to me. When I feel like giving up, God reminds me that He has a purpose for me. “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

No one can tell another how to live with suffering and pain. We each tread our own individual path. God’s purpose for me is different from His plan for you, but I am confident He has one. “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

Sufficient Grace Offers the Ability to Bless Others

The Lord enables me every day. He gives me words that speak love and compassion to a hurting soul. God enables me to write a poem to touch a wounded spirit. He gives me the gift of understanding when someone loses heart, and the ability to offer a listening ear. If my aching body ministers to someone’s hurting spirit, I am blessed.

A Prayer for Those Who Suffer

Father, speak to those who hurt today. The source of their pain doesn’t matter. Your comfort is for everyone. Thank you for caring enough to teach me to trust You every day. My pain shows that You’re not finished with me yet. Help me honor You by facing this trial in Your strength. Enable me to finish well because Your grace is sufficient for my every need.

© Copyright Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, February 16, 2016 & September 28, 2017 & September 2020

About the author:

Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (released May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.