1. Ever have one of those days when everything seems to be off kilter? How do you let those days affect you? 2. Today's reading gives us insight into how a difficult day might shape our outlook: "your tendency upon awakening is to assess the difficulties ahead of you, measuring them against your average strength. This is an exercise in unreality." Why do you think it does no good to imagine how we might overcome the difficulties of the day before we even know what they are?

GROW STRONG IN YOUR WEAKNESS.

Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unashamed dependence.

Rejoice in the relief of being fully understood. Talk with Me about your struggles and feelings of inadequacy. Little by little, I will transform your weaknesses into strengths.

Rejoice in your insufficiency, knowing that My Power is made perfect in weakness.

LIVING IN DEPENDENCE ON ME is the way to enjoy abundant life. You are learning to appreciate tough times, because they amplify your awareness of My Presence.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

know it is not my strengths that have prepared me for this adventure but my weaknesses, which amplify my need for You. I've

liberating when your strongest

Thank Me for the difficulties in your life, since they provide protection from the idolatry of self-reliance.

The rest of this story is recorded in Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions with Real-Life Stories.

even Jesus was resurrected with his wounds." I like that: we, too, are raised to a vocation with the wounds of our past intact, visible, and a witness to what God can do.