There are days I wake up thinking about
all the things I have to do — and how I probably won’t get them done.
Of course, those are the days where I
fell asleep the night before thinking about all the things I had to do when I
woke up in the morning … and all the things I left undone that day …
It’s a wretched, wretched cycle, isn’t
it?
And sometimes I get halfway through
those days before I realize I’ve left God entirely out of the equation.
Sometimes I may have given him a passing nod — a “Be with you in a moment, God”
kind of acknowledgement.
As if all that other stuff is more
important than God.
As if what I have to do is more
important than what he might have to say about the next 24 hours, about me,
about the other people in my life.
How presumptuous.
How foolish.
Why do I rush past the God who is able
… and wonder why I’m so exhausted at the end of the day?
Why do I forget that he can accomplish
what I can’t … he can keep me in the center of his will when I feel off-kilter
… he’s never bewildered. He has a plan — and I’m invited to be part of it.
I just have to accept the invitation —
day by day by day.
In Your Words: What do you
need God to do in your life today? Accomplish? Provide? Help? Save? Keep?
Subdue?
TWEETABLE
A nonfiction writer and editor who said she’d never write fiction, Beth is now a novelist with Howard Books. She enjoys writing inspirational contemporary romance because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. Connect with Beth on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or check out her blog on quotes, In Others’ Words.
Thank you, Beth for the encouragement. I love 2 Corinthians 8:11 "Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means" According to your means instills in me a peace. God gives me the strength to complete the work. The verse also encourages me to press on in His power. I need this reminder every day. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCherrilynn, Thanks for sharing 2 Corinthians 8:11. That's a wonderful translation of the verse!
DeleteGreat reminder...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jenni. Glad you were encouraged.
Deletejust did send an enail where i said, "feeling weary the last couple of days, wondering when, and even if, Father hears and ansers—of course i know, but just so tired"
ReplyDeletepersonally i need to focus more on my writing (blog stuff taking up a LOT of time lately) and i've a family member, fighting deep depression and prayer, needs prayer
Robin: I pray that you feel God's presence in the midst of your day today. I pray that you find the time to pause and seek His strength and His peace -- even as I'm reminding myself to stop ... to rest ... to listen for His voice before I go plunging into to the busy-ness of the day.
DeleteBeth--what do I need God to do? ALL OF THE ABOVE. I am exhausted from my book launch this week and the endless details I have the responsibility to make happen in a professional and polished manner as both author and indie publisher. How awesome the Lord has been to bring posts and memes speaking the message you've shared here to me this week. All week. As the enemy has worked overtime in the battlefield of my mind the Lord reminds me that all my work is not in vain, His calling is true, and all things are working together for good. Just got back from a super successful book launch event after two days of crying through the end stress fractures. God is good--holding fast.
ReplyDeleteJoy!
Kathy
Isn't God so gracious to bring reminders of who He is and who He promises to be in our lives just as we need it?
DeleteBeth: I find the weather plays havoc with the ankle I broke last fall. I have to work around that. I find I can write when I can't do anything outside our home. These past few days and this morning, I was able to compose a book review and two devotions for my blog and an essay for the online column I write. But some days I have to realize I need to listen to God and go where he leads me.
ReplyDeleteI understand how physical limitations can adjust our plans ... and yet God is there in the midst of the detours and unexpected bends in the roads. And it sounds like you got quite a bit of good accomplished this week.
DeleteI like the verse that says As the day is, so shall your strength be. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful verse, Pat!
DeleteThanks Beth. Several times in our process of moving, my wife and I have caught ourselves worrying about the details and "what ifs" as if God isn't aware of them. But each time, He guides us back to trusting Him, then puts all the pieces in place, surpassing our hopes. I sometimes ask myself how many times do I need Him to do this before I give up worrying and trust Him all the time? I appreciate the reminder, and the knowledge that I'm not the only one who experiences this.
ReplyDeleteBruce: Community -- whether face to face or online -- is so vital to strengthening and refreshing our faith, isn't it?
DeleteThanks Beth. A sweet reminder of His promises ~ Day by day by day.
ReplyDelete