2 Corinthians 12:9 – But He said to me, My grace (My favour and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! (AMP)
Anyone who knows me is very much aware that I have no sense of direction. If I go into a department store, I must very carefully note the items for sale at the entrance, and mark all the ongoing twists and turns that I take, in order to find my way to the right exit to where my car is parked.
The Lord very wonderfully gave me a partner who had an amazing sense of direction. Even when traveling in other countries, he would be very conscious of the road and where it was leading. Therefore, when I wanted to go from point “A” to point “B”, I just got into the car and did my “thinking”. I did not have to watch or be aware of the many twists and turns — the driver knew the way. Then God, in His love, took away that great helpmeet, that I might learn many lessons — including where to go and how to get there.
I was having two couples to supper, and I wanted to go to a very special bakery for the dessert items. Being economical, I always endeavour to include many errands when shopping. After a number of hours putting to the test my memory of street maps, I was finally faced with the awesome task of finding my way to the bakery. The shopping area is enormous and is still being built. The roads take on the appearance of a tree in the fall: the larger branches are highways, with the smaller limbs as roads leading off. I was parked, anticipating the insurmountable task ahead. Usually I would square my shoulders and get on with the undertaking, but I was suddenly desperately more aware than ever of my weakness, and said aloud, “O Lord, You know how tired and frustrated I am.” I did not pray for His help!
As I drove, I came to a familiar highway (learnt carefully by sheer experience). Should I go to the left or right? I was on a three-lane highway, deciding to go right, and the traffic very kindly made an opening for me. I waved my thanks. I discovered that the actual road for which I was looking led off the highway I was traveling, and the road lent itself to many small turn-offs accommodating numerous small businesses. As the driver of the vehicle following me obviously knew where he was going, I decided to turn off into one of the business areas and see if I could find a number. I did not need a number, for right in front of me was the back of the bakery! Without one turn of the wheel in error, God in His love and understanding of me had led me straight to the bakery.
I learnt a wonderful lesson: God knows all about our weaknesses; He knows all about our frustrations. We do not always have to pray for His help. He wants to help us; we need but allow Him to take over — instead of taking the attitude, “I can handle this alone.” Often we cannot.
Prayer: Our gracious heavenly Father, may we give this day entirely over into Your hands to lead us along the road which You would have us travel. May we, at the end of the day, look for and expect our miracle, even if it is only a small one and applies only to us, and praise You for it. We bring this prayer of petition in and through the name of Your Son, Christ Jesus. Amen.
Vena Poole r-vpoole@csolve.net
Innisfil, Ontario, Canada