Day 12 of 30

Strength in Surrender

From the Peace in Chaos devotional series

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

— 2 Corinthians 12:9

Reflection

There is an old story about a traveler caught in a thunderstorm with a heavy bag on his shoulders. A stranger pulled up in a cart and offered him a ride. The traveler climbed in but kept the bag slung across his back. 'Why don't you put the bag down?' the stranger asked. The traveler shook his head. 'It's enough that you're carrying me. I don't want to burden you with the bag too.' We do this with God constantly. We accept salvation, healing, forgiveness, the seat in the cart — and then we keep the weight on our own shoulders out of misplaced courtesy. Paul calls it weakness. The cart driver might call it stubborn pride. Either way, He has room for the bag.

Prayer

Help me put the bag down.

Peace Challenge

For the next 24 hours, ask for help with one task you would normally insist on doing alone — from a coworker, a partner, a friend, a stranger in line. Notice what comes up: pride, relief, awkwardness, fear of being a burden. Whatever surfaces, bring that to God before bed.