a powerful Syrian commander who suffered from leprosy and was healed through the prophetic ministry of Elisha, contains rich lessons in humility, faith, obedience, and grace.

Three times Paul prayed that this affliction might be removed. This is important. Christian maturity does not mean pretending suffering doesn't hurt. Paul genuinely wanted relief, and he openly asked God for it.

Sometimes we have a relatively clear understanding of where we are and where we are going, but there are other times when the way seems enshrouded in fog.

We must not miss the point: a life of holiness is not a way to earn God's acceptance; it is the response by those who have already been given His promises.

The prophet Elijah appeared just as she was gathering sticks to build a fire and prepare what she believed would be her final meal before her meager supply was exhausted. Yet Elijah had the audacity to ask her to first bake him a small loaf from her last handful of flour and oil before providing for herself and her son.

Paul lifts up one of the most triumphant declarations found anywhere in scripture. We are not merely survivors; we are overwhelmingly triumphant.

"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God." Paul echoes the same thought in Philippians 2:13 "It is God who works in you."

"Be strong" - more accurately, "be strengthened." Be strong in strength that comes from God rather than human determination (Ephesians 6:10).

Perhaps a devotional about love seems of lesser importance than the “deeper” things of scripture but, as is made abundantly clear in chapter 13, the “deeper” things are truly shallow things devoid of love.