Grown-Up Grace

So in going through my homework for a Bible study class I am taking this semester at church, I came to a section titled Grace for Grown-Ups.

Oh my.

Talk about God's perfect timing.  Yesterday I was feeling quite "down" about something going on in my body related to post-menopause.  Not a major health issue but a minor annoyance.  I won't get into details here but suffice it to say that I can't seem to find a doctor who is on board with naturopathic remedies vs. antibiotics. (NYS doesn't recognize these types of docs...I would have to travel to Vermont).  I prefer solving minor issues with natural means. I've done some research my self emailing my regular doctor who gave me some information about a supplement I am starting.  But she isn't fully on board with me.

And that's when I decided to just pray over my body and wait.  Yet, even with this small act of trying to trust God, I was feeling somewhat downcast.

And then this Scripture jumped out:

The section of the homework was talking about Paul being similar to Jonah in that they both moved forward in what God commanded them to do even though Paul had a "thorn in his flesh" and Jonah was grumbling about Ninevah.

They had to rely on God.

A simple statement.  Rely on God.

The paragraph went on to say that we see a glimpse of God's grace in this chapter (2 Cor. 12). It is a sustaining grace. Yes, we have the gift of salvation....that saving grace. 

 But this grace?  This is the grace that sustains us while we are weak......it's the kind meant to meet our need!

GOD CAN MEET MY NEED that seems so impossible....it's like when I climb a mountain that is over 3000 feet and has pure rock to scale up.  It seems impossible at first....but I do it one step at a time.  I hold on to the promise of what awaits me at the top......and that sustains me.

God, our very loving Father, has enough grace to sustain us!  He will use us and keep us......this is grown-up grace.

We can move forward with the kind of confidence that Jonah and Paul had.  That confidence is for us!  Today!!

That grown-up grace is ours.......trust Him!

Even though this minor physical annoyance doesn't really impact anyone else but me, I find it often hinders my daily life making me want to shut out the world.  Rather, I will move forward in confidence, believing the Lord for a complete healing or the wisdom to improve the situation without allowing my soul to be downcast.

I know God's grace is enough to sustain me.

That is a promise!

And Jesus will get the glory and and His power will be evident in our lives and for others to see.

Rely on God......

.........................  Embrace grace.