June 23 – Unexpected Strength

And God said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I would rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

The thorny devil, a remarkable inhabitant of the Australian desert, cannot drink water directly. Instead, it has adapted to collect moisture through its skin, utilising the capillary action between its thorny exterior. By covering itself in wet sand, the thorny devil gathers life-sustaining water from an unexpected source.

Similarly, in our own spiritual journey, we are called to embrace the challenges and hardships we face, trusting that it is through these very struggles that Christ’s strength is made perfect within us. Our true sustenance does not come from our own abilities or intellect, but rather from the all-sufficient grace of the Divine, which often manifests itself in the most unexpected ways. Like the thorny devil, drawing water from unexpected sources, we too can flourish amidst adversity by relying on God’s grace, which empowers us to overcome challenges and grow stronger in faith.

Reflection:

1) What unexpected sources of strength and resilience has God revealed to me in the midst of life’s hardships?

2) How can I embrace my weaknesses and trust in Christ’s power to work through them, allowing me to grow in faith and adaptability?

Prayer:

Divine Source, help me embrace my weaknesses and trust in Your power to work through me, guiding me to unexpected strength and resilience.