The Grace of Sharing

Sometimes sharing during group devotions isn't much more than a list of sick people for whom prayer is requested. While these are important to those sharing and provide opportunities for us to share grace through our prayers, they can become repetitive and seemingly insignificant in the stream of life.

In our group devotions yesterday a fellow worker shared a very moving experience that brought grace to me. Linda (not the real name) started out by telling us of her son's upcoming birthday. Not too significant, I thought. Then she proceeded to tell about his birth that was premature. She shared through tears his struggle to live. He couldn't breathe on his own. She told of the removal and replacement of the life support equipment over and over until he finally breathed on his own. She shared regarding the day she was discharged and had to leave her fragile son behind in the hospital. The whole description of her inner struggles was moving.

Then she made the statement that she began to ask God why this was being allowed. She told of being led to the scripture in I Corinthians 12:9 which says, "And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." It was obvious to me that the power of Christ was dwelling in Linda as she shared. Her story and that power bolstered me and minimized my petty concerns of the day. Thanks, Linda. We all need to turn to the grace provided by God and we all need to share with others when He moves in such a way.