Thankful Thursday ~ God's Power

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Has God called you to a task that has completely overwhelmed you?

Are you struggling with a hurt that has cut you like a knife?

Are you burdened with a decision that seems impossible to make?

Are you facing the uncertainty of finances due to a job loss?

Has grief washed over you burying you in your tears?

God is with you! His Power is stronger than any difficulty you face and He is ready to fight your battle for you. He wants to carry you through the dark days.

“Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s…You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand & see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah & Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.”

2 Chronicles 20:15,17

In Jonah Week 5 we learn that God wants us to win. He goes before us preparing the way. In 2 Chronicles 20 we see Jehoshaphat, King of Israel as he was being attacked by the Moabites, Ammonites & Meunites. Jehoshaphat saw the impossible situation he was in and called out to God. As he faced this threat he turned to God who gave him instructions on what he should do. God had paved the road to victory they just needed to obey His instructions in order to experience His Power of Victory.

“I am amazed to consider the work God does to prepare the way for our obedience. We cannot see the tapestry of divine activity behind the scenes. “ Priscilla Shirer

When we face circumstances more than we can handle we must remember:

·      God doesn’t always call us to tasks that we can easily handle. Sometimes He calls us to tasks too big for us in order to stretch us.

·      God doesn’t always call people equipped for a task but He will equip those He calls.

·      God calls us to a situation He has been working in so that in our obedience we can join Him in His mighty plan.

·      When we call on God in our weakness He will help us face each day through His Power.

Continuing to Count the Joy Dare #1112 - #1119:

·      Rain to wash away the pollen

·      Seeking God’s heart

·      Praying for dear Sisters in Christ

·      Trusting in God’s Strength & Healing

·      Dating my husband

·      Kids spending the night with Grandma

·      God going before us before we knew we needed help

·      Listening to the falling rain.

In His Calm,

Mary

Thankful Thursday - despite the pain

When you get right down to it pain hurts but, can we see beyond the pain and find a reason to be thankful?

When a friendship dissolves can we see beyond the pain of rejection and be thankful for the support that was given during the hard days?

When trust in a marriage/dating relationship is severed can we see beyond the pain of heartbreak and be thankful for the ability to love?

When a father walks out on his family can we see beyond the pain of abandonment and be thankful for the memories when we were too young to know the truth?

When your boss calls you in the office and says your position is cut as of today can you see beyond the pain of worrying how you will support your family and be thankful for the experience gained that will help you in the future?

When the dream that was so close to being realized gets blocked without notice can you see beyond the pain of denial and be thankful for the dream God gave you?

There are times in our lives when something happens beyond our control that takes the very breath out of us. 

Those times are excruciatingly painful - but can we, for just a moment - dig down deep and find one thing to be thankful for? 

It may be one thing today but tomorrow it may be two. With each passing day it will get easier. 

It may not feel that way as we struggle through the fresh pain but eventually we will come out on the other side. And when we come out on the other side we will see God's Strength as we found something no matter how small to thank Him for each day.

What can you thank God for today?

Continuing to count the Joy Dare #1082 - #1090

• birds singing their good morning song
• fresh haircuts for my guys
• breakfast for dinner
• the miracle of life
• leaning on God & the promise of His Healing
• excitement in starting over
• following God when it doesn't make sense & watching Him make sense of it all
• family time watching shows I watched when I was my kids age
• spring cleaning in the garage

Linking today with Ann at A Holy Experience.

In His Calm,

Mary