Word for the day: “God’s grace sometimes says, Not yet.”
II Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV) And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to [b]buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Good morning, Leaders.
Today’s leadership and life lesson is about embracing holistic self-care. Prayer is essential to embracing self-care and learning how God works with me in the tension of my life challenges.
Self-care in today’s message is navigating the landscape of our spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health (Mark 12:30-31).
EMBRACING HOW GOD INTERACTS WITH YOU THROUGH PRAYER IS SIGNIFICANT.
There are three answers God gives to our prayers: yes, no, and not yet. In today’s devotion, we get a glimpse at the proverbial leader Paul’s challenge; he often asked God to relieve, or even remove from him, the thorn in his side. While we don’t know if this was a literal, physical thorn or a metaphor for a mental affliction, we see clearly that God’s response to Paul was “Not yet.”
Maybe you can relate to Paul’s frustration. You’ve asked God time and time again to take away your pain, but it seems like he’s ignoring you. Consider the fact that God’s response to Paul might be the same one he’s giving you.
Sometimes not yet, is the answer we get when God is shifting our mindset to understand and embrace His work in our life differently. I’m personally in a “Not Yet” season in my life right now.
WHEREVER YOU ARE IN YOUR SELF-CARE JOURNEY, LEARN THAT GOD’S GRACE IS ALL YOU NEED.
When we’re going through something difficult, we all want immediate relief. No one likes to feel helpless or powerless in their situation. But sometimes, in place of instant healing, God wants to remind us that his grace is all we need. Our weakness can make us bitter and resentful of God, or it can draw our attention back to his power. When we are weak, God is strong!
Not yet, is another way God says to you and me, I got you and I got this, just lean on me!
POINT TO PONDER
In today’s message we see Paul still needed to learn in his process of leading and making impact that God’s grace was all he needed. I believe the Lord wants to remind you, and I of the same thing today. No matter what’s challenging us in this season, God’s grace is enough.
Special thanks!
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Kingdom Blessings,