“Lord, have mercy on me. See how my enemies torment me. Snatch me back from the jaws of death. Save me so I can praise you publicly at Jerusalem’s gates, so I can rejoice that you have rescued me.”
Psalms 9:13-14 NLT Like David, we, too, call on God for His Mercy in the midst of our struggles. Life can be brutal and life can be beautiful. The difference is defined by our circumstances. Have you ever been tormented by something going on in your life? Paul was familiar with this very thing. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 these words are recorded: “even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NLTPaul was tormented by a "thorn in the flesh". Many have tried to specify this thorn. No one can definitely determine what it was. One thing we can know for sure: it was "a messenger of Satan". Paul had to battle with this until his death. Although he was never free from it, he did know and experience the grace of God in it all. God harnessed the devil's attacks and utilized them as an opportunity to demonstrate His great grace. No matter what we may face, God's great grace will sustain us and carry us through!! When we feel outnumbered, overwhelmed, and out of strength God will give us His grace to keep going. His grace will defy and deny the enemy. There is nothing we can face in life that God's grace and mercy won't carry us through. Let God harness your struggle today and watch Him bring you through it with His great grace and mercy. When you make it through, you can testify of His goodness in public. What has God brought you through in the past? What are you going through right now? He hasn't failed you before. He won't fail you now. Give your battle to God and let His grace carry you to victory. When He does, testify before the people of His faithfulness! Prayer for today: Father, in the name of Jesus, thank You for Your sustaining grace. I praise You with my whole heart! I love You and I give my life into Your merciful hands! Whatever You may bring me through, wherever I may go, I will praise You for providing grace in it all!
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March 2020
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