God knew what Jeremiah had yet to find out: things were going to get harder. He would have to run with horses. Jeremiah didn’t yet understand what you and I often struggle to understand; when God gives us an assignment, he will not abandon us, even when things are much harder and go on much longer than we could have ever expected or imagined.

Despite extensive self-assessments and coaching experiences focusing on strengths and weaknesses, Paul’s example reveals a radical approach: boasting about weaknesses as a testament to God’s grace.

Even though we may feel overwhelmed by the burdens of grief we see all around us, we can extend the grace of Jesus to the mourners in our lives.

Some things were the same. Some things were different. God stepped into both situations and met the need.