Enduring a Tough Season
Good Morning Ladies (and few gents),
Today’s devotion included below “The One Secret to Enduring a Tough Season” is a reminder from GiG Michele that, “We’ll have what we need for those days the moment we wake up to them, and not a moment before… And yet, once again, I found myself in a wrestling match between promises made and potential meltdown.”
GiG, I confess that was me yesterday as I tied up loose ends to my remaining 4-days of scheduled events, but all the while refusing to be pinned to the mat. Yes, I have a stubborn streak that sometimes gets me headed down a path with little room to turn around and come back to home base. It seems like out of nowhere my schedule has gone from the semblance of a leisure stroll in the park to speed walking on the US Olympic team, And in my best Steve Urkel impersonation, “Did I do that?” Yikes!
Fortunately, today I get a second chance to do things better; God’s way. Oh, the timely lessons one can learn when one dives into scripture in desperation like a deer pants for water. The Holy Spirit gladly meeting me right where I am and taking me right where I need to be without condemnation, but encouragement. And the lesson I need reminding of (and maybe you too) comes from the life of Moses—the dangers of self-reliance and the advantages of depending on the Lord in all things. OUCH! As my mind screams, get it right this time; get off the rollercoaster and save yourself much aggravation and hardship.
GiG, when we choose to cooperate with God and submit to His way, He will do amazing things in us, through us, and within the circle of influence around us.
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10 NLT
Yes, once again God is reminding me to be still and know that He is God and I am not. I’ll fail at things, and like Moses despite my past failures, the Lord still uses me to accomplish the Kingdom’s Agenda, but only after, like Moses, I became usable—that is, humbled and broken of self-will? I don’t know about you, but I find this exciting.
GiG, Moses isn’t alone; are you guilty of this behavior too? Oh, but consider what God achieved when Moses did things God’s way; or when we do things God’s way.
My favorite lesson in Exodus 3 is that Moses got more done in less time, and with fewer resources. However, in a close second is that he sent impoverished slaves out of bondage with their captors' riches (Ex. 3:21-22). Why that second, I don’t know; I’m just weird that way.
GiG, let’s pull up to the pump and fill up on a mega dose of inspiration and encouragement that our past failures never prevent God's willingness or ability to use us. In fact, Dr. Stanley says, “…our weakness is a great opportunity for the display of His glory. In our own strength, we are totally ineffective. But when we submit to the Lord's authority, we can experience His victory in whatever He calls us to do.” Want to feel victorious—cling to our Redeemer!
God’s Got It…so we can GROW—Patience in adversity gives power to the soul. St. Faustina
Called to serve and encouraging others to thrive,
DEA: Embracing a Work-Hard, Rest-Well Life and Loving My Priorities, Loving My Life
