Despite the coldness of the morning, a lot of people, including many new faces, joined us for breakfast. I particularly struggle during this time of year as I visit with those who do not have warm homes in which to sleep. Looking into eyes that are watering from the cold breaks my heart.

For many years, homelessness was a generic issue to me; I didn’t know anyone personally who faced this plight. Sure, my husband and I would make donations to worthy charities and my heart might be pricked when seeing photos of poverty, but these gestures were purely perfunctory. A few years ago, God began turning my heart of stone into a heart of flesh (Ezekial 36:26) by showing me the people behind the statistics of poverty. The people we serve have names and stories and real-life pains as well as joys—we are building relationships with them.

This morning, through the scripture shared during our devotion time, God reminded us again of why we serve: “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.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

This verse is the foundation of Grace’s Kitchen and we have seen its truth played out many times since we began this journey. Nothing we have accomplished has been due to our own abilities—it has been because of God and for His glory! We are so thankful that He is teaching us to rely on His perfect power.