Saturday, August 2, 2014

"My Grace Is Sufficient"

Like many of you, 2 Corinthians 12:9 is a favorite Bible verse for me.  It brings us great comfort knowing that God's grace is always sufficient.  But what does it really mean?  If you read and study this chapter, you will learn that Paul (the writer) suffered "a thorn in the flesh", or rather, some type of recurring physical ailment that could not be relieved by prayer.  Sound familiar?  Many of us have physical ailments and conditions; some of which may never be physically healed.  But this verse gives us great comfort because it tells us very clearly that God's grace is sufficient.  That means that as we lay our burdens on Him, He will give us the peace in our hearts to deal with it.  When we are weak, God's power is made perfect.  By laying our afflictions at His feet and trusting Him with everything, He is able to show us His perfect peace.  We WILL suffer in this life - that's just a fact.  But God wants us to give it to Him, and to allow His grace to be all we need to sustain us.  Paul was actually grateful for his physical infirmity when God shared these comforting words with him because it allowed Paul to lift up and glorify God through his weakness.  Now that's some kind of faith, isn't it?
When I saw this beautiful Verve stamp during their recent blog hop, I just knew that I had to have it.  I've already used it twice, and I will continue to use it over and over again.  To be perfectly honest, I regret now not ordering more than I did.  Verve stamps are amazing!
 
My patterned papers, journaling spot and embellishment are from My Mind's Eye, the stamped sentiment and seam binding are from Verve Stamps, the blue flower and white leaf are by Prima, and the baker's twine and jute are from May Arts (purchased at Simon Says Stamp).
 
I'm sharing this card in the following challenges:
 
Verve Stamps July Release Retrospective Blog Hop & Challenge - Use any product from the new Verve July Release - I used the Verve Stamps 2 Corinthians 12: 9 Plain Jane Stamp as well as their lovely Stormy Skies Ribbon
 
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says....Anything Goes - This is my third entry.  The baker's twine and May Arts jute/twine are from Simon Says Stamp.

Crafty Creations Challenge Blog - Challenge #268 - "Just For Fun" - I sure hope that my card makes you smile.  It certainly makes me smile!
 
I really hope that when you are going through difficult times in your life, that you will experience God's grace because it really is ALWAYS sufficient, and it can get you through ANYTHING.  Thanks for stopping by today.  I really appreciate your visit.
 
Blessings to you,
Karen

6 comments:

  1. Thanks Karen for your thoughts on this verse - the second time we have heard that verse and a similar teaching today - I think God is getting out attention :-).
    Love your card - it's gorgeous!
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  2. Truly a beautiful card. Love all the layers behind the flower.
    Great blog post, Karen.

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  3. Beautiful card. Love the backgraund and border.
    Marjeta

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  4. This is really pretty. I do remember these MME papers, and they are very heavy weight paper. It's a really pretty card - all of your cards are beautiful.
    Sierra

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  5. Such a beautiful card! Thank you for playing along with us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge!

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Thanks for your comments. They mean so much to me.