Sometimes the person I have the hardest time showing grace to is…myself. My weaknesses are evident. Sometimes I wish I didn’t struggle with the things that I struggle with! I wish my desire to control didn’t come so naturally! I wish past ministry hurts weren’t influencing new ministry partnerships. I wish I was more patient as a parent. I wish my identity was more closely connected to being a child of God. I wish, I wish…  

God responds, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Me: Thank You for that, God. And I do so much appreciate that, but I have been walking with You for a long time now. I grow tired of my struggles and imperfections. 

God: I have begun a good work within you. I will be faithful to continue my work. (Philippians 1:6)

Me: Father, You are so patient. Thank You. You see every struggle and You understand and know me so well. You aren’t giving up on me.

God: My love is patient. My love keeps no record of wrong (Jesus already paid all that for you). My love never gives up and it endures through every circumstance. (I Corinthians 13) 

We can come to God each day, as we are and not pretending like we don’t struggle. Our imperfections are not a surprise to Him and He is the one who is “working in us giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” (Philippians 2:13). So do not become weary in doing good. There is grace for today and strength for tomorrow. “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16)