A Spectacle Of Glory #66

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Well-meaning people will sometimes say to me, “Joni, God knows He can trust you with suffering. He knows your character. He knows you’re strong and that you’ll respond well to hardships.” My reply always takes people aback a little. I will say, “You’re not even close. It’s the very opposite of what you are saying.” I think God entrusts hardships to me because He knows that I can’t be trusted. I fully accept that I am the least likely candidate to handle affliction well. I know how weak I can be. And how stubborn, peevish, and irritable. And this is why I run to God daily for help! “Oh, help me, Jesus! I can’t face another day of quadriplegia!” When I hurry to God with that attitude, He lavishes grace upon grace on me—all because I’m so quick to realize my weakness and His strength, and that my need for Him is not partial, but total.

Lord, I know I will never forget these things—because I don’t dare forget them! I need You desperately—every waking and sleeping moment. I couldn’t fake being courageous and strong, even if I wanted to. You have made me helpless to show that my total help is in You. And what a good, kind, and faithful Helper You have been to me.