Devotions-Sept-09-2025

Fjeldberg – Devotion for September 9th, 2025

READ (2 Corinthians 12:9)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness,” therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me.

REFLECT

Paul endured many “perfect storms” during his ministry including imprisonment, beatings, and threats on his life. Even in times of weakness, dismissal, and persecution, his faith in God's grace and mercy and unwavering commitment to Jesus’ teachings never faltered.

There are “perfect storms” in all lives and we may be called by the Holy Spirit to a higher purpose during those times.

I met Eric, my husband's first cousin in June of 1969 while in Pennsylvania visiting my soon to be 2nd family for the first time. Eric was a quadriplegic, the result of an automobile accident in 1963, just prior to his senior year in high school. There was no awkwardness or pity felt upon our meeting. Eric had an engaging smile, effervescent personality, and positive attitude. His mother, trained as a nurse had shepherded him through a long rehabilitation plus his final year of high school and four years of college. Both parents wanted him to find ways to utilize his abilities and intelligence regardless of handicaps.

During the next few years, Eric tried several careers, all of which were unsuccessful. One day, motivated by receiving paints and an easel from a relative, he rediscovered his love of art. Before long, Eric was creating beautiful watercolor paintings by holding the brush in his mouth. Although his life was fraught with challenges, he became a well known artist whose paintings were purchased for many public buildings and homes.

Eric was not angry with God and accepted his weaknesses with grace and faith. He created a legacy with painstaking hours of creating intricate paintings of landscapes and landmarks of his native Pennsylvania. Thousands of lives were enriched by the serenity and spiritual beauty of his art. More importantly, as with Paul's teachings, God's power became greater through Eric's perseverance and passion for sharing his faith in a unique fashion