It can be irritating to hear someone tell us how grateful we should be because life could be much worse. Or that our losses are blessings in disguise. Vicki looks at how God defines ‘less.’
“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
How would you console a child who got the smallest brownie?
Surely not by saying, “Don’t be sad. Less is more.”
Like me, are you doing less because of your illness or pain? Would it comfort you if someone said, “Don’t be sad! Less is more!”?
While others savor their big piece of life, we’re left with a small slice.
Or are we?
It might help to consider the “more” times in our lives, and the “less” times.
During the “more” times, you probably accomplished a lot. Life was big. Goals were met. You helped many people. You were a doer. That’s what you miss most.
In your time of “less” your world has shrunken. Now people are helping you.
I consider, what have I lost because of my MS? I teach less and I feel I have less of an impact.
What have I gained? I’ve gained more rest. I have more time with my family and friends, more time for a writing ministry, and best of all–more of an understanding of God’s love for me.
So I guess my less is more.
Here’s God’s outward less and inward more:
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17).
God transforms our “less” into His “more.” A waterfall of thanksgiving results!
Paul understood how “less” becomes “more”: “All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:15).
God’s “more” helps us in our “less.” His waterfall of grace leads to our praise.
“The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:14).
Prayer: Dear Father, Help me not skim over familiar verses like 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Remind me each day that the less strength I have, the more Yours will carry me through. In my physical weakness, You give me strength needed for the tasks ahead. In my emotional weakness, You restore hope and fill me with Your peace. When others see me, I don’t want them just to see my illness. I want them to see less of me and more of You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 33-year-old-son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her blog, she reaches out to other mothers of children with mental illness. http://mentalillnessmom2mom.net/
Vicki wrote a picture book about bullying: Heart Eyes: Beth and the Bullies. You can find out more about that book by visiting her Heart Eyes website: www.hearteyes.net
Have you had an experience where you saw God using your “less” for His “more”?
SWEET HELLO VICKI;
I EXPERIENCE BULLIES IN SILENCE. UGLY ; DARK COLOR; THIN; YOU CAN’T READ BIBLE; FASTER. USELESS IN GOD’S SERVICE. NO LOVE FOR THE HELP LESS.
A BIBLE TEACHES TO HELP. TO LOVE ;TO CARE. I DECIDED TO FIND ANOTHER CHURCH. I EXPERIENCE GOD DURING HARD TIMES.
I HUMBLY ; GAVE PRAISE;
HONOR AND THANKS TO THE LORD….
HE HEALS ME.
COMPLETELY…. ?
Dear Venus,
It hurt my heart just to read how bullies taunt you. “No love for the helpless”: how sad. Knowing your silent pain, it’s amazing that you’ve been able to “experience God during hard times” and are able to give God praise. And that you can see His healing hand in your life. I’m sure that’s an encouragement to all who stop by Rest Ministries.
I pray you’ll find a church that lives out what the Bible teaches: “to help, to love, to care” as you so simply stated.
Together in His grip,
Vicki
Venus, I was saddened to hear how you’ve been bullied too! Praise God that you’ve found a new church where you can be used to love others & serve God with your heart & your life. Your are precious. God bless you in your new church. LOTSoluv Kerryn
Hi Vicki!
There have been times when I’ve experienced “less being more.” A few years ago, when I was writing devotionals for R.M., I experienced fulfillment. That was because I could see the Lord using me and my painful experiences and illnesses to share with others. I’d often heard that God doesn’t waste anything in our lives and that brought it home to me.
Vicki, how is your son? I’m especially interested as mental illness has plagued me too.
May the Lord bless you in your writing ministry as you also seek to manage your illness and be there for your family.
Beth
HELLO VICKI…
THANKS TO YOU.
GOD IS EVERYWHERE.
GOD HE LEADS ME IN BAPTIST CHURCH.
HE BLESSES MY
SPIRITUAL JOURNEY.
AND TO SERVE HIM.
GOD BLESSED. ?
Vicki, what a beautiful way to express our less being more! Thank you 🙂
It made me teary reading it through, as I often struggle with having so little energy that I rarely ever get beyond the 4 walls of home! I want sooooo much more, but have less. However, I also know that being a writer for RM means that I have opportunities to reach out to way more people than ever happened before to encourage them. God continues to bless & encourage me into ways that I can be used from home, my bed or my recliner. For that I’m truly grateful. Your prayer was special too, especially: “I want them to see less of me and more of You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” God bless you Vicki. LOTSoluv Kerryn
Dear Kerryn,
Thanks for your honesty about how you got teary reading this devotional. I’m guessing we all deal with grief over the losses we experience. Especially when our before-illness lives were so full. And yet, I’ve only known you from RM and have witnessed how full your life is for God…how you encourage, uplift, and inspire so many people. I’m grateful that “God continues to bless & encourage you into ways that you can be used from home, your bed or your recliner.”
Learning to yield,
Vicki
Awweee…. thanks for your encouragement, dear Vicki!
I’ve always felt a lovely connection with you 🙂
“Learning to yield” is a perfect description of life with illnesses! God bless you abundantly. LOTSoluv Kerryn ♥
I am always amazed at the beautiful devotions here, you must know how much it means to those of us who like you all, endure much. All my love to each of you………..
Dear Linda,
Consider this devotion a gentle hug across the internet—a labor of love for a fellow partner in pain. Yes it does help just to know there are others who understand that we “endure much.” Like you, I’m grateful for RM—to read devotions that encourage and help us to keep our eyes on the Lord.
May He bless you today in a way that only He can,
Vicki
Dear Vicki,
Thank you for this beautiful reminder that less, really is more! I have to remind myself of this often as I watch life from the “sidelines”. It helps to know that God doesn’t waste a minute of our pain or suffering. I love 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. A verse filled with hope because what is seen is temporary!
Many blessings to you this summer. I hope you are in a cooler part of the country. It’s 100 degrees here in Texas and that spells OUCH 🙂
Love and hugs,
Angie
Dear Angie,
“What is seen is temporary!”: what great words of encouragement!!!
Yikes!!! You’re really cookin there in Texas!!! Here in the northeast, it’s hot, but not THAT hot. But our heat index is reaching near triple digits. It’s the humidity that really gets me and any one with MS. Makes me so grateful for air conditioning. It’s like medicine for me. Medicine without any side effects (except the cost!!!).
Summer time is a great time to picture walking with our Good Shepherd of Psalm 23 who “makes me to lie down in green pastures and leads me beside the still water.” Ahhh!
Blessings,
Vicki
HELLO TO KERRYN
TO VICKY AND
LISA. AND TO OTHER
FRIENDS IN REST MINISTRIES…
MISS YOU ALL. AND I
AM BLESSED… ?
HOW ARE YOU LISA…
KEEP GOING…
Dear Venus,
Hi there! What a great idea to stop here simply to say ‘miss you all’ and ‘I’m blessed.’ My feelings also.
“Experiencing God during hard times”,
Vicki
Thanks for your greetings Venus 🙂
I’ve only just seen your message. What a blessing you are! May God bless & encourage you today. Lotsoluv Kerryn
praying for you all, this site has helped me so many times when I was so down, praying everything is ok and there will be more devotionals that I know help so many, many blessings Lisa XOXOXOXO
Hi Linda,
Thanks for your prayers! God honors the prayers like yours, from faithful prayer warriors. Personally speaking, prayers like yours (from someone who knows the journey) mean everything to me! Keep those prayers coming! I know Lisa, especially, appreciates them.
Together in His grip,
Vicki
I will keep you all in my prayers. Miss you all so very much, I come here everyday hoping and praying……………………………many blessings to you all, please Lord, turn the situation around again and bless those who trust and need You , we are but dust please be gentle to my precious friends here and to Lisa with much love.
Just want to pray for you all, praying fervenly for you Lisa…………..
praying fervently
wondering why no one is here anymore, I/m not very good working facebook. has this site closed?
Dear Linda, no….. the site has NOT closed.
Lisa had surgery a few weeks ago & has really been struggling with her health since & also there have been technical issues with the site, as I understand it. Please continue your prayers for Lisa’s health to improve & the technical issues to be resolved. Thanks ♥
I’m not on FB either. You may like to re-read some of the RM devotionals under any topic you can think of on this site…. just go to the “Devotions” tab at the top of the page. I’ve written another reply with links to many of the RM devotional writers blog pages for you to explore, but that will need moderating by Lisa, so may not appear for a while. God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Hello everyone. I am wondering how Lisa is doing? Also, can we keep in touch through facebook or just here? Thanks, Paige
Hi Paige, I’ve just seen your comment.
Apparently you can keep in contact either here or through facebook, but I’m not on facebook. Most recent update is that Lisa is still very ill & exhausted since foot surgery & there have been technical issues with the site being attended to with paid tech support. Please keep Lisa, her family & RM in your prayers. Daily devotionals will be posted again as soon as it’s possible for Lisa. God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Thanks for the update. I will be praying for her and everything else. I wanted to reach out to anyone who is homebound a lot of the time and pray for one another. God Bless, Paige
oh Page, so glad to run into you here! I have been hoping for more devotions here too because most times, no one gets the difficulties of dealing with health issues that are so often overwhelming to us. One can get kinda down when others say, “oh everyone has problems of some sort”. Yes, life can be difficult without health issues, try those problems with some health issues thrown in on the side. I don’t know that much about facebook and I have really missed everyone here……still praying for Lisa and all who have helped with this site’s devotionals. I love my 2 little yorkie boys, but they are not real ‘conversationalists’, but they are very high energy and do keep me involved .
I know it was very special when one of the writers here said she looked up yorkies to see what they looked like just because I had said how much they help me . I was having middle of the night sleep issues so I stopped by here. Love you guys here !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are such a comfort to me. Hope all gets back to great devotions here, I miss and love you all so much
Hi linda thanks for responding. Would you be interested in being prayer partners? Paige
I would love that Paige! I had a 17 hour brain surgery 10 years ago. Things turned out quite well, but lately I fight depression. I am living on my own…..but it is not easy. If it weren’t for my 2 yorkies and old cat, I would feel so lost/lonely. Blessings to you Paige.
Great. Are you on facebook? Paige
I didn’t mean great about your depression! I battle that too. I am blessed with a wonderful husband and two adult sons and a dog. Hope to hear from you soon. I don’t mind putting my email in here but I don’t know if that is appropriate. Anyway, Blessings to you too. Paige
Still alone most of the day though and would love to connect.
It took me a long time to finally come to terms with my “less”. But now I see how it’s all worked into God’s bigger plan and has allowed me to minister to others in a way I would have never been able to before.
Hi Kim,
Thanks for pointing out that it can take a long time to come to terms with our “less.” It surely IS a long process of accepting, and seeing it from God’s perspective.
If you’re like me, I’ll bet you never imagined your “less” would turn into a ministry. I’ve found that I can tell people about the comfort and hope they can find in Jesus, and they can’t say, “That’s easy for you to say.” They know I’ve experienced it and then believe that Jesus can do the same for them. I now know that if God allows it, He’ll use it for His glory.
A fellow recipient of God’s bigger plan,
Vicki
Yes, me too, I have really come to understand less is more this spring when I was hoping to get my walking back, but my muscles said no to that due to myasthina gravis issues. Like all the other issues weren’t enough.(haha)
But walking was getting too hard, so now I am relieved of the pressure of trying so hard, and I’m home with my yorkie boys more, as I have given up that stressful pressure of trying to get my groceries. I don’t like giving up walking/shopping, but it is ok I guess to not have to push myself so much….kinda….but Father is working with me on it, I love Him for that…………
Paige, I have been praying for you along with Lisa’s recovery. Bless you all…………………..
Thanks Linda. What can I pray for you for? Are you all answering old devotionals? I’m a little confused. Thanks and God Bless.
hi paige, I have this prayer I read every morning I will post, I just come here and all the postings are under the ‘less is more devotional’. it is a little confusing isn’t it. I don’t know if we should leave our email address, but it does confuse me too….just remember to come to the last devotional here. I know it would be easier to just exchange email addys but just in case someone else does come searching for help, I have this prayer:
HEAVENLY FATHER, TODAY i CHOOSE TO SEE THE PAIN AND PROBLEMS THAT SURROUND ME AS POTENTIALS FOR YOU TO SHOW ME MORE OF YOUR POWER IN MY LIFE, GIVE ME THE COURAGE TO FOLLOW YOU IN FAITH, EVEN WHEN THERE SEEMS NO PLACE TO GO.
still praying for you Page, Lisa. I will try to figure out how to get email notifications so I will know when you are posting Paige. now lets see if my brain can figure out where that is………….brain gets kinda slow sometimes, haha. Paige, if you could just pray that I feel the peace that surpasses all understaning again. My life has been kinda crazy the past few years. It seems I cannot get that peace back, and I miss it so much……..I also would like to get my walking so I can shop with my helper, Brenna. I do have an electric wheelchair, I like to take my yorkie boys out with, but I want to get out with my Brenna, I am so blessed to have had her for 10 years now. I even moved to my daughter’s in colorado from minnesota, but when her husbands luekemia came back, I was too much for her with the chemo trips to denver. It all was so stressful, It has been a year since I had to move into this apartment and I just can’t seem to get peaceful here. I have had to deal with a bully here, and that was so hard. There are 5 people living here, there are only 8 apts in this tiny community of 300. But I am allowed to have my 2 yorkies and my one cat. Still hoping to find the other one who I miss cuz she is family to me. So greatful I can have 2 yorkies here and a cat, but if I find my cat I spose I will have to move. I just can’t give up my pets, they are all I have now…..my daughter is busy trying to figure out her life without her hubby of 20 years, but I think hubby was hard on her, so she may have some healing to do too. I never hear from her much anymore, my heart is so broken.
Please pray my daughter heals too and contacts me. What do you need prayer for? Again, sorry this is so long, but I feel so utterly lost.
Sorry so long to answer. I like your prayer. You have had a lot to deal with. What would we do without the Lord! Please pray for healing of my chronic back pain. I have tried several things that haven’t worked. I also have had a lot of problems finding peace. I struggle with anxiety and depression. I can’t type too long as it hurts to sit. Thanks and God bless, Paige
so happy to see your post dear! I would love to pray for your back to stop bothering you. I really have seen some good results with a supplement called MSM, google it and see what you think, also TART CHERRY, again, google it first, check with dr. for drug interactions if you take anything. It took several weeks for MSM to start working, my helper said it only took her a few days before it ‘kicked in’ I try not to depend on doctors because that 17 hour surgery knocked me for a loop! Neurosurgeon was great tho, did a great job! long story short, I don’t go for brain scans anymore cuz what do I do if tumor comes back? Certainly don’t want any more surgery, haha! These bodies sure can be rough on a gal tho, eh? Bless you……..
Yes, a reminder that they are just temporary! You have such a joyful demeanor to your notes that bless me. Praying for you.
thank you Paige, I’m just another ‘nut ball’ bwahahaha. how are you doing? I’m wondering where you are, I pretty much come here daily just cuz I miss the devotions so much and am hoping Lisa gets better, still keeping you both in my prayers. Sure do miss everyone here…………………all my love and many blessings sent your way……………………………………………………….
Hi Linda. I’m struggling physically and emotionally. Kind of lost it yesterday and stayed with friend. Days are so hard for me! Yuck! How are you? Maybe we could just go ahead and share emails.
Paige, I don’t know if you’ll see this, I’m having trouble with the reply placement……………what is yer email addy?
I’m wondering how you are doing Paige. I know sometimes it is so difficult to cope with some issues, health or money, or any kind of brokeness.
I left my email addy, but it was removed, so we will just have to use Rest Ministries. I hope you will reply sometime, I would love to visit with you more, but take the time you need to get thru your issues. Sometimes I get kinda ‘flustered’ too……things get pretty crazy sometimes when struggling for ‘normalcy’, whatever that is anymore. I’ll keep you in my prayers along with Lisa. I could ‘yack’ on forever, but I’ll spare you this time, ha!
Hi Linda. I left my email addy but I guess they are taking it off too. Let me know if you get this. Praying for you
yes, I did get your message Paige. How are you doing after your ‘melt down’? I have plenty of those too. Had one yesterday. I’m afraid even my sister will stop calling because I get so down and can’t always hide it. I try to hide it, but some days it all just gets to me……..I’m in one of those ‘modes’ now. I have had times I begged God to just take me. I have my 3 pets that keep me going, except for some days when even that threatens to bring me down, but I would be so lost without their company. Could you please pray my kitty Iris comes home soon, I miss her so much 🙁 she has been gone a year now 🙁 but I just can’t give up hope and God knows how I miss her.
Hope to hear from you soon here. Many blessings to you!
Hi Linda. I can relate to what you said about hiding it. I have asked God to take me too at times. I will pray that your Iris returns. I am taking it one moment at a time. I have so much to be thankful for but tend to focus on what I don’t have. Please pray for me to have a hopeful attitude towards new treatment this week. Sometimes I think I’m beyond hope but we all can have hope in Christ. God Bless you too! I will try to check later.
Dear Linda & Paige,
I’ve been reading along & praying….. as able….. in between moving house. Sending gentle hugs. God bless. LOTSoluv Kerryn
Thank you. God Bless u too
thank you Kerryn, I’m so happy to see you here, to see anyone here. How is Lisa doing? Paige, how are you doing today?
Hi Linda. I’ve been wondering about Lisa too. I am in pain after shots in my back but I think the dr hit the right spots this time. How are you?
Dear Linda & Paige, please keep Lisa, her family & the RM site in your prayers. Lisa has had a really tough time with her health since her foot surgery…. AND the RM site has had lots of technical issues requiring a lot of work from Lisa & paid IT worker to try to fix it. Hence the devotionals haven’t been able to be published recently.
I can’t imagine how hard this has all been for Lisa & her family. I thank God for her & this RM site & that it’s a place to contact others….. even when new devotionals can’t be published.
Remember that you can search devotionals on any topic at the top of the page & read previous devotionals to lift your spirits. God bless you girls. LOTSoluv Kerryn
Kerryn, thanks for the update. will keep praying. My problems seem so small compared to hers. God Bless you too
Linda, how are you? Haven’t seen you here for a while.
just busy moving Paige praying for you and lisa, please pray for me too, thank you
Oh, where are you moving again? I will pray.
I’m just moving down the hall to a more handicapped accessable apt., but it’s still hard on my brain, and trying to remember where everything is again, so overwelming for me. Moving is just so hard on me. How are things going Paige? have you had a break from your back pain?
HI Linda. Did you finish moving? I will pray for you. I am with a new chiropractor and am encouraged. It’s a slower process than I’m used to but I really think this is different.
still hoping and praying for you Lisa…………………..
Lisa Copeland,
Thank-you and your husband for your perseverance in the midst of trials as parents, spouses to one another and for these forever suffering illnesses. (At least until we’re called home).
To all you guys caring for your wife with an illness or a VERY severe illness, hang in there, even if barely. I’m one of you and don’t feel bad if you are totally totally burned out—please, just don’t bail out from your marriage and your wife and your caring for her.
God knows your suffering and your serving Him when your serving her.
Just wanted to let you know there are other guys like you hanging in by a thread out there. I’ve come to understand that the “fall” has left us with sickness and suffering and prayer is not in vain when healing down here never comes after decades of prayer (yes, I’m old).
I hope my attempt at encouragement keeps some men out there aware they are not alone. In the midst of our caregiving our wives can offer us so much. We ourselves may even have disabilities (some emotional as well as physical) . Let’s attempt even if very imperfectly to make Gods words (Bible) our comfort, our home.
Much Love To You Men, from a retired farmer,
Liam.
P.S. : If any guys want to respond to this, go for it. I’m a sponge for any feedback/encouragement!
Hi Lisa, I’m new to your site. I was just wondering if everything is okay with you. Noticing that the devotions stop last summer and your comments stopped here in October. Hoping and praying that you are well. This site is such a blessing. Thank you!
Vicki,
So much has been subtracted from my life and the past few months have been terrible. And especially that past couple weeks. Pain, pain and more pain.
I have had chronic illness and pain for 20 plus years and known the Lord for 40 yrs. I just can’t take it anymore.
I was so believing for healing. Walking close to God, praying, thanking Him praising Him and worshiping Him. And not just to get from Him.
It seems like I am having a spiritual crisis. I do not want to connect with Him much. I do pray some. I hate it when people say it is Satan doing it to me.
I guess it would help to have some prayer especially that I just am not able to pray much.
Sorry for venting. There has been something good happening. I am helping a local support group to get moving. It was not active and God did use me to get a few people to meet at a restaurant. And we will again next month. I am doing this with another lady. It is not a Christian group and that is o.k. with me.
So I guess i am doing something good with that. But the pain and life’s trials have worn me out and are overwhelming me.
This was an insightful post. I am learning to be meek in the lessening of my scope of activity and influence. Someone told me meekness is “Strength under control”. Like a horse which was once wild, finally submitting to a bridal and lead. Jesus has shown me his yoke for me is easy, it happens to be RA. His burden is light. When I am weakest He is my strength. I am learning to yield and be meek with God help and guidance. When all you have is Jesus…and you have had to let everything else go, He is enough! LESS IS MORE!! More of Jesus and his LOVE!!!
Hi Pete,
I love your analogy of a horse submitting to a bridal and lead. That describes my journey with the Lord as one with MS… I’m also learning how to yield more and more each day. It surely helps to be “be meek with God” and seek His help and guidance!
Resting in Him who is more than enough,
Vicki