Focus and Hope

Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. II Corinthians 12:10

My Sisters who love the Lord,

I met my daughter at her appointment to entertain Joshua (4yrs) while she was with the doctor. The 4 story building with many hallways called for an adventure. Josh was leading, as we slunk, hugging the walls until we made it to the stairwell. Approaching the 4^th floor, I whispered, “ J-man will the enemy detect us? Are we safe?” Without a backward glance he replied, “Grammy, we just need to Focus and have Hope!”

These words echoed in my heart. Out of the mouth of babes... For His lovers, He is our focus and Hope. Oh, such mystery in the ways of our Lord with His lovers. He bids us draw near, come to Him. Now and again with other lovers, but so often altogether alone. He nurtures and comforts imparting strength none but His lovers know. Even further He discloses Himself and makes His word known to those who seek Him in spirit and in truth. Then we move on, awareness of Him in the present moment. Hope. We are safe. Grace.

“From this point, not craving for what, if continued, would become a spiritual luxury, they go on like the sun that rejoices to run the race.” ac

Some days I deeply long to be on my face before His throne and done with a profoundly disappointing separation. “Lord, I long to be with You. I long for home.” His poignant reply was, “Arlene, it is enough for now that I indwell you.” Searching words as well as comforting. Each moment a gift from Him. What would it be like to be content in the moment? Even more so, to be 'well-content'? “Lord, reveal our hearts even now uncover discontent.”

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 rest on me. II Cor 12:9

Paul discloses a very challenging mind set; a spirit willing to receive whatever God deems good for Paul. Focus. Look at the list of what Paul boasts he is “well” content!  Paul was just a man. The grace God supplied him is ours in Christ. Christ's grace is possessed of unfailing strength. The phrase 'is sufficient' is in the perfect tense and means 'is continually being made perfect.' God is supporting our mind with His most powerful influence, causing me to rejoice with joy unspeakable!! Paul uses words like 'delight, gladly, boast'. Focus.

Again, I ask, “Do I really believe this?” When have I been well-content with suffering? Do I rejoice in the rest? (meaning is to spread as a tent over and dwell in). He is Rest. We never lose by suffering and affliction. His strength rests on us enabling us this very moment. Hope.

It does not say what Paul's thorn was but the word means 'a sharp stake used for torturing or impaling someone. God permitted satan to buffet Paul (means to beat, to strike with a fist). I see two messages one from satan to Paul, but God also had a message for Paul... grace. I love the acrostic for Grace: God's Riches At Christ's Expense. Sufficient grace, strengthening grace, transforming grace. Focus. Safety.

Our Father, You who are the Lover of our souls and give us grace sufficient and perfect. You who always hear my prayer, You my abundant Life-Giver! It blows me away to see how detailed Your provision is for me O Lord and that You not only love me, for You are love, but You like me and delight to have me draw near . Words fail Majestic One. Teach me and my precious sisters to be well-content and know Your rest, to focus and to have hope. Keep us from being willing to just have salvation and go to church and do churchy things. Give us a hunger that will move us to greater intimacy with You through Your Word, which lives. I love you and thank you for the privilege of sharing my heart with these sisters. O how you love them. In the Name of Him who left heaven to be our Redeemer. amen


Focus and Hope in Christ alone,


az