Please continue to join us in praying for our friend and devotional writer, Sally McClung, and her husband, Floyd. Sally is facing a complicated recovery after her recent cancer surgery and would greatly appreciate every prayer. This particular devotional was written in June, long before Sally knew the challenges she would be facing.
“God met me more than halfway, He freed me from my anxious fears. Look at Him; give Him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from Him. When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—how good God is. Blessed are you who run to Him.” Psalm 34:4-8 The Message
Not a Fan of Suffering
A couple months ago I was looking through some of Floyd’s files trying to find some notes for someone. I came across a large sheet of paper with only three sentences on it—hand written by Floyd. It said:
“Pain and suffering are God’s gifts to us to drive us to Jesus. In our sufferings we share in His sufferings. In our shame we meet His glory.”
It felt as if Floyd himself was speaking to me in the midst of my being so sick. I could hear his “voice.” It was very special to my heart. And it put things back in perspective. I need to keep my eyes and my heart focused on the Lord—even as, or maybe especially because, I’m feeling weary and worn down.
I’d be the first to admit that I’m not a fan of suffering when it comes along! But I’d also have to admit that I’ve seen the “gift” of what God brings into our life through it. The closeness, the intimacy, the grace, the comfort, the daily release of His sufficiency to help us—those are all things that I don’t know how we can experience any other way. No one can meet us in our suffering in the way He does. I’m grateful for that gift.
I am running to Him in my physical weakness today. I am speaking out my trust to Him—opening my heart to receive His grace and strength.
Lord, we continue to pray for Sally’s recovery from her recent surgery. We, likewise, run to You in our weaknesses today. We declare our trust in You, and we know You will supply Your grace and strength as we need it. Amen.