Dorothea explains how despite the fact that we tend to hide our weaknesses, His grace is sufficient, sometimes even in how people respond to us.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
There were times when I was ashamed of my illness. I tried to pretend that everything was fine, even when it was obvious to everyone around me that something was terribly wrong.
Fear kept me from admitting to my need for help and from defining my limits. I didn’t want to accept the fact that my condition would disable me, cause me to miss family gatherings, or keep me from events with friends. Constantly struggling to mask my illness increased my level of stress.
One day, I got tired of trying to come up with excuses and started talking about my illness–I didn’t seek sympathy or try to avoid the realities of my daily struggles. Even though I felt liberated, I was certain that I would be shunned or criticized. Instead, something wonderful happened. By sharing my brokenness, neediness, and weakness, those around me to open up about their own areas of weakness. His grace is sufficient to overcome even the responses we except to receive.
When I shared my trials with them, they saw evidence of God’s mercy, power, love, and grace. I realized that being honest about my hardships was a way of encouraging them with their own struggles.
I encourage you to share your stories with those around you. No matter what you are going through, letting others know how God is keeping you, helping you, and strengthening you will bless their lives in ways you can’t begin to imagine. They will see how God’s grace is sufficient in your life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to view my conditions as cracks through which Your glory can shine. Amen.
About the Author:
Dorothea Love lives in California with her family. Although she has endured the challenges of chronic illness for more than 20 years, she trusts in God’s grace to help her get through each day.
Have you ever been pleasantly surprised at how someone responded when you shares about a weakness you have? Did you see that as an example of how God’s grace is sufficient?
Are you ready to get up and dance? Okay, maybe not. Still, this new song by Mandisa, “What if We Were Real?” is a great reminder to be honest with others. What IF we were real?
dorethea, I deff agree with you on this one. I have recently become much more open to others about my pain and chronic illness. And in doing so have opened doors allowing relationship to build with others with illness etc. god has a way of using everything we endure to minister not only to us but to others & then it has that ripple effect that only God can produce. With all of it to bring glory to Him! God bless diane
Dorothea, it is nice to see a devotional by you come through.
I could relate to your message. I, too have found it a fine balance to know when to speak and when to remain quiet about my afflictions. Some people are really interested and sincerely do want to know how I am doing. It then is a good moment to let them know how God is sustaining me. Others, are just being somewhat in that frame of mind, “Oh, how are you doing?” but they are in a rush and it is more the thing to say more than any real interest. I do like to combine any news of how I am doing with my woes along with other things that are going well.
Thanks for sharing!
Love,
Lynn
Thanks for sharing, Dorothea. I’ve found in my circle some people think you come across as complaining and aren’t really interested in how you feel because they have enough problems of their own. It’s been hard for me to find community because of that. I loved the song.
Dorothea & Lynn,
I admire you for opening up to certain people about your illnesses, and, at the same time sharing how God has been sustaining you, etc. I do this sometimes, but not always.
I think it’s really important to be as transparent as is appropriate in each situation. Just as we want others to be real with us, so they want that from us.
I’m with you on this on Dorothea… it helps to talk about what you’re going through and be honest with people. But as others have already mentioned, some around us are just not interested in either listening to us or our wellbeing… they are more important. I make it a point to listen and show interest in what others are telling me… I find it rude to be dismissive as I understand what it feels like. I’ve noticed since dealing with my own health issues I’ve become even more aware of others too… which is a plus. But sadly, sometimes illness can feel so isolating in various ways. Thankfully we have an awesome God that we can discuss our concerns with at any time.