“What Only I Have The Grace To Endure…”

Recently, a friend who I had the privilege of praying for told me a story about a woman.

Upon first hearing the story, I imagined the woman as someone who had too much pride to ask for help. Or perhaps she was raised in a culture where she had to grin and bear suffering without complaining. But as I heard her story, I realized there was something I was missing…

She had incredible physical pain and her friends asked her, “Why won’t you ask for help? Why don’t you talk about your experience more? We want to help you.”

She replied, “Why would I burden someone else with the load that only I have the grace to bear?”

In that moment, I was struck as I’m struck with the stories of Mother Theresa and other saints whose lives still live on to instruct us. What I realized is that this woman knew a profound mystery that many of us miss. She knew she was actually perfectly empowered to carry her own load—to receive her own portion and her own cup. She understood the idea of grace. We have enough. We have exactly enough to prosper on our own journey—to endure.

May each of us, be granted the peace and wisdom we need this day to know that Jesus has formed us and fashioned us for our stories—even for our difficulties…our pain.

Lord, Jesus.

As we share in Your suffering, help us to have patience in affliction.

Help us to know that You have fashioned us with our loads, cups, and stories.

Help us to ask for help when we bear a burden.

Help us to bear one another’s burdens so they need not even ask.

Help us to buck up when we need to and know that You are a purposeful creator.

Help us learn and submit to the sanctification process, knowing pain works as a skillful teacher. We are in Your capable hand and we have not been left to the evil one.

Help us know that You are gentle and kind. You are slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

You will equip us for every good work that You call us to. If we don’t have the strength for something, perhaps You have not ordained that.

You hold all things together— when something falls apart, we can trust Your intention of letting it.

Thank You for empowering us for our own journey. As we live it and lean into You in our places of pain, may we bring You honor and glory, ascribing to You, Oh Lord the honor due Your name.

For You equip us.

You train our hands for war.

You are our portion and our cup.

You are our inheritance.

You are enough.