I am weak but He is strong! 💪

I'm amazed at how daily readings somehow apply to me at the very time I need guidance.  This time,  it's the one about the Apostle Paul.  Love that guy!  Started as a real jerk...Saul of Tarsus. He came on the scene and took part in that whole stoning thing with St. Stephen (pray for us.)  He continued persecuting the early Christians.  Then, heading to Damascus...💥Struck Blind by the light of God.  Total 180.  Heeerrreee's Paul!  Completely on fire for Jesus.   Except, he had this thorn...this unknown affliction that he thought he had to be cured of in order to be the best guy to spread the Gospel.  Then God reminds him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness."  And Paul, the imperfect yet faithful servant responds, "I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me."  You may know the story.  If you don't know Paul's, you may have a story of your own.  I have several thorns depending, on the situation.  There is always some little whisper of doubt the devil tries to put in my ear.  "Don't take the kids swimming. They'll be embarrassed of you at the pool." 🏊"Homeschooling?  You don't even have a college degree!" 🎓 "Who are you to lead a group?  No one will follow what you teach." 😞 "You're writing a blog??? Who would want to read to what you have to say?"🙉  These are just a few of those sometimes debilitating "thorns" that float into my thoughts.  And like the apostle Paul, I've asked God to somehow take them away.  I've tried to find ways, good and bad, to change my own situations and to make me better.  I tried to depend on my own abilities to be "good enough."  God reminds Paul (and all of us) that his grace is what makes us "good enough."  The thorns that afflict us may just become our crosses to carry and our pain to offer up.   Our imperfections and weaknesses are covered by God's abundant grace.  So world, here I am...an imperfect follower of Jesus who is riddled with weaknesses.  May God have the greater glory through them. 

AMDG