“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9 ESV)

Today's Encouragement
It would be great if all of life’s problems had happy endings. Reality, however, has taught me that sometimes life’s difficulties remain unresolved: a broken relationship, sickness, marital issues, and infertility. As we read Paul’s words, he details one of his lingering problems.

Paul, a bold servant of God, made a desperate plea for resolution not once but three times; yet he was denied. Scripture does not indicate the source of Paul’s discomfort, but we know he was tormented by it. As a result, Paul decided to highlight his weaknesses in order for Christ’s power to manifest.

From Paul, we learn that true peace is not dependent on closure but the ability to persist in the absence of it. In the midst of unsettling circumstances, we can seek safety in the shelter of God’s word. When our outcomes are unknown, we can cling to the known attributes of a God who never changes.

Prayer
Dear God, Thank You that Your grace is sufficient for me in my weakness. Please help me to see that there is power in the unsettled places of my life and that when life is unresolved, I can depend on You. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.

Reflection
How might God be leading you to trust Him in the unresolved places of your life?