Lemons to Lemonade

I have always been amazed that God can, and does, use me.  In my eyes, I see all my needs and weaknesses.  But God, in His love and grace, finds ways to take my humble offering and bring good from it.  It never, ever ceases to surprise me.

On this unexpected journey we've been on, I have felt incredibly weak.  I am so grateful for all of the prayers that are being prayed for me.  I have felt supported and carried by them.

In the updates that I write I've shared things that the Lord is saying to me, teaching me.  I marvel at His sweet lessons.  I love that God can take the pain and suffering, and bring such wonderful lessons of His goodness from this season.  

And I always marvel, too, when people write and tell me how helped and blessed they are by what I'm learning.  Only God can put all that together!  It reminds me of the verse in Genesis 41:52:  "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."  

God takes our weakness and frailty - speaks into it - and uses it to help and bless others.  He takes our lemons and makes lemonade. :)

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed."  1 Peter 4:12,13

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."  2 Corinthians 1:3,4

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees."  Psalm 119:71

I'm grateful that even in our weakness, God can use us.  He's not dependent on us - "His power is made perfect in our weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)  God takes our simple offerings - and uses them for His honor and glory - bringing good out of pain, strength out of weakness, and joy out of sorrow.  How awesome He is!