DAY 7
2 Corinthians 12: 9
"'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
THOUGHT
My hilarious, suspender-wearing dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in June of 2021, and he died two months later. In the days that followed, I realized that I spent my entire life trying to present only my best self to him. I wasted so much time trying to earn the love that he gave me freely. In his final days, he spoke candidly about his weaknesses and proudest moments and told stories I had never heard before. I became abundantly aware that I could have known so much more about him if I had presented my authentic, broken, imperfect self sooner.
I felt God tell me, "You do the same thing to Me." I try to earn the love that God gives freely. I try to present my "best self" even though I recognize that God already knows everything about me. I try to disqualify myself from service to others and the church because of my weaknesses. The truth is, I can experience the fullness of the love of God if I am willing to present my whole self to Him.
ACTION
For you: Take a moment to sit and soak in the fact that God knows you fully and still loves you. Psalm 139 may be helpful to guide your reflection.
For the ONE: Do not let your insecurities or failures disqualify you from your call to go after the ONE. God's power is made perfect in our weaknesses. Do not obsess over being perfect, waiting for the perfect moment, or having the perfect words before you share the hope of Jesus Christ. Instead, obsess over the ONE who does not yet know that they are FULLY KNOWN and FULLY LOVED by God.
PRAYER
Lord, we are full of gratitude for your perfect, unconditional love. Let our weaknesses become a welcomed reminder that we are not operating in our own power anyway. Make us available and aware to reach the one who needs to feel the love, acceptance, and hope that only You can give. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.