Today's reading

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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. –2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

July 1, 2023

He Said To Me

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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. –2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

Some people are born with a handicap, others develop them over time, and some acquire them due to tragedy. Regardless of how, when, or why people have limitations, they desire not only to be treated with dignity and acceptance but to live a purposeful life.

The Apostle Paul wasn’t chosen as one of the first twelve disciples. When he became an apostle, the original disciples rejected him due to his past persecution of Christians. Paul also struggled with a “thorn in his flesh,” which was never healed. Despite these debilities, Paul followed God’s will. 

If you are facing this facet of life, realize that God understands your struggle and longs to fulfill the desires of your heart. Regardless of what others say, think, or how they treat you, God created every detail of your being, and His ways of achieving things are unrestricted. 

Never let a disability—physically, socially, or mentally—disable you spiritually. Don’t let limitations stop you from using the gifts God has given you for His Kingdom. Just like God told Paul, perhaps He’s saying to you, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). Believe God is able!

prayer focuses

Express your gratitude to God for His grace in your life.

Ask the Holy Spirit to encourage and empower you to rise up and go forward with God’s plan for your life.

music

latest reads

3/29/2024

All for You

3/28/2024

Know Your Enemy

3/27/2024

Get Past Your Past

3/26/2024

Freedom

3/25/2024

Cold Snap

3/24/2024

Golden Buzzer

3/23/2024

Can You Hear Me Now?

about the

Author

Barbara Alpert

Barbara was a wife, mother, and grandma who sought to love the LORD with all her heart, soul & strength. She has authored several books for adults and children. She has enjoyed mentoring other writers and seeing them turn their manuscripts into published masterpieces for God's glory. She believed that every person has a God-story within them to be told and shared. Barbara passed away peacefully in November 2023, but Bayside continues to remember and honor her legacy by sharing devotionals written by her in order to inspire and encourage others.