Have you ever faced a struggle or crisis in your life when you cried out to God? “I’m not strong enough. I don’t want to do this. Can you take this burden away from me?” Many of us have. Our circumstances may not be the same, but the cry of our heart is. We wonder if we have the strength to make it through.
We recently have experienced an increase in seizures for my son who has epilepsy. There have been many sleepless nights, many calls to EMS, and many trips to the hospital. I’m tired. I know my son is tired too. I’m asked many questions about his situation to which I must answer… “I don’t know.” I’ve also asked God many questions he has chosen not to answer… for now. Some days I think… I’m not strong enough. Spencer’s not strong enough. We can’t do this anymore. Can you please make it stop God? But so far, He hasn’t.
I started searching for passages in the Bible when someone requested a burden be taken away. Two in particular spoke to me.
The first is when the Apostle Paul asks for his “thorn in the flesh” to be removed. The Bible tells us he asks at least three times for this, probably more. But the response he received was
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (New King James)
The second is when Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane. He asks
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” The text then says, an angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. Luke 22:42-43 (NIV)
Both prayed for their burden to be lifted. Both might have wondered if they had the strength to endure what was before them. But both were reminded of where the strength to bear anything comes from.
I’m reminded we have that strength too. If you are facing a struggle, call on the One who gives you strength today.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
praying for rest…for u and ur family…May God richly answer our prayers for this struggle in your lives…
I have often wondered about the fact that we ask to be made like Jesus and to share the fellowship of His sufferings, ‘ that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.’
Something we can never really do, but He comes and fellowships with us in our sufferings
And I am so glad He asked for the cup to be taken from Him as it gives a validity to our cries for mercy.
Jesus says He ever lives to make intercession for us. I pray that He will make intercession to the Father for grace, mercy peace and endurance for you and Spencer. I pray that bonds may be made during these tough times, both with each other and with the Shepherd who goes before and is always with you.
Much love in Him.
You and Spencer are in our prayers. Your devotional was very inspiring. We cannot see the whole picture but God will make a way. Hold on to the words ” my strength is make perfect in weakness.”
Powerful! His grace will get you through this time. I love you.
Please know that Spencer and your family remain in my prayers, as do the doctors who are treating him.
I have faced huge struggles that God has allowed me to overcome by His grace being made perfect in my weakness. It’s hard, but I’m stronger for it.
You are such an example of faith in the dark times. I continue to be amazed at God’s glory that shines brightly through people like you.
Amy – I’m in constant prayer for your family.
When our lil’ one had surgery, I would share my concerns with people about God taking care of it. I knew he would but I wanted to “reserve” the miracles for those who really needed it. A sweet old lady in our church family simply told me, “His grace is enough.” After that, I knew she was right. That’s why I love the song, “His Grace is Enough” because I know I can face any tomorrow as long as I have His amazing grace!
Here’s what I sing along with a few others:
I’m so very ordinary
Nothing special on my own
I have never walked on water
I have never calmed a storm
Sometimes I’m hiding away from the madness around me
Like a child who’s afraid of the dark
But when I call on Jesus
All things are possible
I can mount on wings like eagles and soar
When I call on Jesus
Mountains are gonna fall
‘Cause He’ll move heaven and earth to come rescue me when I call
Weary brother
Broken daughter
Widowed, widowed lover
You’re not alone
If you’re tired and scared of the madness around you
If you can’t find the strength to carry on
Call Him in the mornin’
In the afternoon time
Late in the evenin’
He’ll be there
When your heart is broken
And you feel discouraged
You can just remember that He said
He’ll be there
Nicole C. Mullen Call On Jesus lyrics
And then of course, comes: Your grace is enough…So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise
Oh God
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me
I’ve been praying for… the rest of my comment go to signsmiraclesandwonders.blogspot.com
Sorry still singing from TSMSS! Grace, grace, wonderful grace…
aMazing Grace…
Wonderful post Amy. And I will be praying for Spencer and your family
Amy, this is a wonderful devotional and a very real one. I know it is very real to you as you share your struggles with us. As I read this, two verses of scripture came to me.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15 & 16
Please know that God doesn’t let anything we go through go to waste. Whether He caused it or He allowed it, He always has a purpose for our pain. Unfortunately He doesn’t always explain to us why but because He is God we are encouraged to trust Him without always knowing why.
He is there with you every time your son has a seizure. He knows before it happens. Even when it seems like too much, know that He will give you what you need to endure even more.
I pray for healing for your son and relief for your family. I pray God continue to reveal Himself to you as truly the Lily of the Valley each day that you are down in the valley. Even though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death Amy, fear no evil, for God is with you and Spencer, His rod and staff comfort you.
You are in my prayers.
Blessings,
Vickie
Sweet Amy,
Sometimes I am just not even sure what to comment. I cannot claim to fully know or understand what you face each and every day. I almost hesitate to ever offer you any advice or wisdom, because what wisdom do I even have…especially about all your family is going through. Just know how much you bless me with your heart for the Lord. You are an encouragement to me and to every person who reads what you write. What a blessing for those who actually get to interact with you on a daily basis! You are a light, Amy. Salt and light.
Love you,
K
What a great devotional! And I love all three of those verses!
I can relate to this topic a little. I have had pain that is related to my MS for four years now and there are times when it gets me down or I question the purpose of the pain. However, I find if I pray through the pain, it is always lifted.
Continuing to pray for Spencer and your whole family.
Have you ever noticed that Phil 4:13 is about “contentment”? I was re-learning the verses in Phil 4:11-13. The message of contentment jumped out at me when I got to verse 13. The verse that we often use for “strength” is really about accepting our circumstances with contentment. I lost my youngest son a year ago Feb. I am looking at these verses through “new eyes”. I hope this is helpful. I am learning to be “content” through the Lord’s strength…