But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9
Bringing a new guide dog into our home would bring change for everyone, including my beloved retired guide dog. I had to ensure she felt loved while someone new took her place. My husband and I had to adapt to making time to walk and care for two dogs. Yola, my new dog, was into everything, and I had forgotten how much energy a two-year-old dog has. I knew I needed physical endurance to make this happen, especially the exhaustive two weeks of training at the guide dog school, but I didn’t count on the importance of spiritual strength for this experience. May I share what I learned about spiritual strength through this process?
First, let’s just admit our weaknesses. I have failed many times when I thought I was a super blind woman who could do it all. I have learned to say, “God, I can’t do this in my own strength. I need you.” I have discovered that when I admit my weaknesses, they become a threshold to God’s strength rather than an obstacle. Our focal verse tells us God’s strength is made perfect in our weaknesses, not in our own strength. We must admit that we can’t do this alone, but we can do all things through the strength of Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:13). We will see God’s strength when we get out of the way and invite Him in.
This leads to our next step. Fully depend on God, and stop relying on self. This is extremely difficult if you are an independent woman like me. I have been taught to do as much as I can for myself because I am blind, but I have also been taught to ask for help when I need it. Friend, we need God’s help more than we realize. After we admit our weaknesses, let’s step aside and let God do His thing. It’s easy to fall back into self-reliance because we are so accustomed to living that way, but we must fully trust God. Our faith will strengthen us through whatever changes are ahead.
The third way we can find strength is to submerge ourselves in God’s grace. Our focal verse tells us that His grace is sufficient for us. That means it is all we need for any season. When you find yourself in a tight situation, tell God you need His grace. I have found His grace has brought me through severe pain, a wayward child, and seasons of change.
The fourth way we can find strength is through the discipline of prayer. I set my alarm early at the guide dog school so I could have enough quiet time with my heavenly Father each morning. When we pray, I have found something from the Apostle Paul’s prayers that helped me immensely. In Ephesians 3:16 (NIV), we find: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. Our inner being is where we need strength, Holy Spirit strength. We often forget that, so make it your daily prayer. Internal change is eternal change.
Finally, create a discipline for regular rest. Times of transition are busy, but we can never get so busy that we don’t make time for rest. Each night, decide your schedule for the next day and schedule your times for prayer and rest. These two disciplines are vital for your mental health during trying seasons.
You will make it through this next season by admitting your weaknesses and trusting God. You will learn to depend on God, not on self. God’s grace will carry you through as you carve out time for prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to strengthen your inner being. Then you will guard your time for rest, so you can regroup.
Seasons of change can be daunting, but with God’s help, they will become seasons of grace.
Let's pray ...
Heavenly Father,
I admit I am weak, and I cannot do this alone. I want to walk in Your strength and grace. Fill me with the Holy Spirit in my inner being. Guard my times of prayer and rest.
In Jesus’s name.
Amen.
What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Corey Lankford
Carolyn Dale Newell is a best-selling author and certified speaker. She knows the bitter taste of suffering from blindness to chronic pain. Her passion is to encourage women to keep their eyes on Jesus and not their circumstances in her devotional, Embers of Endurance: Rising Above Chronic Pain and Illness. You can connect with Carolyn on her website and her women’s ministry group on Facebook.
Related Resource: How Faith Finds Us When Life Takes a Detour
Joining us this week is worship leader turned viral comedian Heather Land. After growing up in the shadow of her mother’s decades-long addiction, Heather reflects on how this painful season—alongside her unexpected shift from the worship stage to the world of comedy—taught her that while our paths may take unforeseen turns, our core calling to encourage and uplift others remains constant.
Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Rachel Kessler, an Episcopal priest and Kenyon College chaplain who completed her PhD in medieval studies at the University of Toronto before pivoting to seminary after hitting academic burnout, then built a following as the “Nerdy Priest” on TikTok after a student secretly downloaded the app on her phone.
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Originally published Sunday, 23 August 2026.
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