Better Than Anti-Aging Wrinkle Cream

Dear Friends,

Over the past few days, there has been a recurring theme in how people have been greeting me, and it almost always begins with the question, “Are you doing okay?”. When I respond that yes, I am in fact doing okay, the inevitable follow up statement goes something like, “Well I asked because you don't look so good.” And then, in order to better explain that statement, the final sentence in this greeting ritual is almost always something like, “You look tired/sick/worried/stressed/etc.” Nothing like friends to help build your confidence!

But this morning, as I looked at myself in the mirror and was reflecting on the greetings I've been getting lately, I did notice that I do, in fact, look tired/sick/worried/stressed/etc. The puffy eyes, pale skin, and multiplying wrinkles are a dead giveaway. And I guess, to be honest, I am feeling pretty tired and worn out. Which of course is not a good thing, as God hasn’t said it’s time to retire yet. There it still a lot that He’s calling me to do - including some very big ministry challenges that have to be addressed in the next few weeks.

I walked away from the mirror wondering what on earth God is doing challenging me with these big steps of faith at my advanced age. Fortunately, God wasn't up for indulging me in a pity party today, and as soon as I opened my Bible to today’s reading, He directed me to 2 Corinthians 9:8, which tells us: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Perfect words for me today - and for all of us - as we face the day-to-day challenges of living a life of faith. God will give us ALL that we need, and through His grace, we will be able to do whatever He calls us to do. We will be able to do EVERY good work that He lays before us. And those promises are way better than any anti-aging wrinkle cream can promise us.

So today, join with me in praying that God will not only extend His grace to us for all that He's calling us to do, but that we will also be actively looking for that grace to sustain us.

Amen?

Daniel