During the past couple of days, I’ve had the opportunity to catch up with work colleagues (who likely visualized me on a death bed at MD Anderson.)
Repeating the details of the past four months has been mentally exhausting, but to connect with others who have experienced similar trials has been refreshing.
Yesterday, I talked to man in his mid-forties about his recently diagnosed heart condition. He was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat before it became fatal.
We talked about the other issues that are sometimes more difficult to manage, things like the cost of insurance, trying to balance work and doctor appointments and the difficulty of defining life’s gray areas.
As a contracted employee, he said that his wife’s insurance is really the only viable option they have to continue his treatment.
Sadly, his wife is scheduled to be laid off at the end of next week. They will lose a second income and the insurance they rely on. What a difficult situation to be in.
It inspired me.
He referenced Paul’s conversation with God about removing the thorn from his flesh – to remove the life’s hardships. God’s reply? “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”*
It is a verse I’ve relied on heavily the past few months, one that flips everything about this world on its head.
My grace is sufficient.
Wow.
One definition of grace is “elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action.” We don’t often think of things in those terms. Usually, we stress over life’s unknowns, the unpredictable and “what could be.” When facing uncertainty, tomorrow can make us anxious.
And yet, God refers to our circumstances as beautiful, free-flowing opportunities to see His work in our lives. The burdens we encounter are inconsequential to the fulfillment of His promises to us.
“My grace is sufficient.”
I left inspired. It reminded me that we’re all connected in one way or another. We all face hardships.
When adversity arrives, remember that we can find contentment through the grace God continues to show us, even when we’re not paying attention.
Take a second to feel your pulse. Witness your chest rise and fall as you subconsciously inhale and exhale. Think about the eyes you’re using to connect with me and this blog post. Truly realize that you’re alive today.
“My grace is sufficient.”
*2 Corinthians 12:9