Have you ever heard someone say, “I almost lost my mind.”, “I almost threw in the towel.”, or “I almost went left when I should’ve gone right.”?

Today’s encouragement is regardless of your “I Almost…” moments, Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” The Apostle Paul’s “I Almost” moment came when he encountered this thorn in his flesh. In this verse, He is recounting how God assured him that His grace is enough, and that God’s power is fully realized in our weakness. It highlights the idea that when we are weak, God’s strength becomes more apparent and effective in our lives.

Your struggles are not in vain, for God is working through your trials to bring about something greater, praiseworthy, and for a godly purpose according to Romans 8:28. (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) Therefore, hold on to your faith, and let God’s promises renew your strength and courage.

Even in your “I Almost” moments, God is able to keep you from falling. God has the power to protect believers from falling into sin. Jude 1:24 is a powerful reminder of God’s protective power and the ultimate hope of being presented perfectly before Him in the end. (Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy. Jude 1:24)

David declared in Psalm 138 verse 8, “The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” So, I want to encourage anyone who has ever had an “I Almost…” moment that you are still here by the grace of God. God is still able. He will not let you down. He is willing to perfect that which concerns you so stay strong in Him and in the power of his might, because your “I Almost…” moments will lead you to victory in Jesus. (Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Ephesians 6:10)