His strength perfected in weakness

 

Everyone knows what it is like to have a person’s name slip from memory, or fumble to find a word for something that is known but hiding somewhere in the back of their head. Some say this is old age, or dementia, but whatever it is, God is there to help.

This week I ordered a quilt pattern and downloaded the file. Since it was only a lap size, and I wanted a queen-size, I printed only the front page photo and redesigned it on a quilter’s app that does that sort of thing. I knew this pattern directions would not work for the changes I made. I had no idea what to do with it, so I prayed.

I went to bed wondering how I would assemble this project. It seemed a large challenge. Even though I’ve made more than 300 quilts, this one had me stumped. I prayed for guidance — and then fell asleep. And then I had a vivid dream. In that dream, I was shown precise instructions for putting that quilt together, totally different than anything I’ve ever done before! I shake my head in amazement at how God answers prayer when I cry for help.

Then to top it off, today’s devotional reading was short and about God helping the helpless. It included three references that were like exclamation marks for that dream:

He loves to be God for the weak and childlike, who look to him for all they need. From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. (Isaiah 64:4)
But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. (Psalm 147:11)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

How could I doubt Him? Or turn to google for answers? Or try to find a Youtube? His answer is so perfect — a testimony to His ingenuity and goodness. The One who made the universe with a word has no trouble with how to assemble a mere quilt.

PRAY: What can I say to You? Thank You seems so small — even if this quilt is not an earth-shattering project, You knew exact instructions will save time and eliminate stress. What a blessing You are, my ingenious God!