Let Us Boast in the Lord Alone

I have spent a good deal of time asking the Lord for the topic of this last mentoring moment for the school-year. This is the verse that keeps coming to mind: And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).  Paul writes this in response to asking the Lord three times to remove the thorn in his flesh, and the Lord answered him in this quoted verse.Dear mamas, when was the last time you posted on social media and boasted about your weakness? When was the last time you called a friend and asked for prayer for your impatience or for the lack of forgiveness toward your husband? When was the last time you fell to your knees and cried out for help from the Lord?  What has God allowed into your life as a catalyst for brokenness? Boasting about our inabilities and short-comings is counter-cultural.I have three very dear people in my life who are currently struggling with health situations, seeing once again their physical weakness. One is a pastor; one is a family member; and one is my closest friend. All three are in total dependence mode – on other people and on physicians…and on the Great Physician! I know the Lord is taking them deeper into His loving kindness through their situations. They are experiencing their physical shortcomings, but each one would tell you God’s grace is sufficient during their trial. Two seem to be experiencing a thorn in the flesh-type of situation, and one is experiencing her trial due to an accident.Parenting preschoolers shows us our weaknesses and shortcomings, doesn’t it?  I know because it was the beginning of my journey of brokenness. Being weak and seeing my utter inability apart from Christ was a good place to be; but it feels unsettling, doesn’t it? As we trust Jesus for our salvation, can we not also trust Him for each day’s trials and challenges (Colossians 2:6)? Of course we can. Despite our insecurities, we must choose to trust the One Who made heaven and earth; the One Who loves you with an everlasting love. The One Who says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).Are you afraid that if you share your struggles with a trusted friend that your reputation of having it all together and your recent postings will foil your perfect persona?  Oh, dear mama, let go of your pride and answer Jesus’s call, “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  Jesus is our Burden-Bearer when life is heavy-laden. When we surrender the circumstances of our lives to Him, He encourages our hearts with hope and imparts His wisdom.No doubt your home will be bustling with children under foot this summer. Place yourself on the altar of grace for the Lord’s provision each day. Admit your weakness and be a good receiver of Christ’s finish work on the cross BY FAITH. Take a sticky note and post Scripture in ideal places in your home. If you are a Christian, the power of the risen Savior lives in you through His Holy Spirit. So, my dear Redeemer mamas, boast in that and BY FAITH trust the Lord to bring it about in your life. And one more thing: give your friends the gift of honesty and pause before you post to answer the question: Does this glorify the Lord and demonstrate His strength against the backdrop of my weakness? “May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you, may the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).