Ephesians 2:10 Amplified Bible 10 For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [a]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. Seems like daily I am learning more and more about who I really am. I think I’ve been so busy for the past 2 decades of my life, that feel like I’ve lost site about who God designed me to be and for what purpose. There are things about my character, personality, emotions, and how I think about things and how I respond to things that are being brought to light in the little daily things I do. Yes, at 50 I'm still trying to discover why He designed me the way I am and my "divine" purpose. A friend reminded me this past week about my uniqueness. He sort of struggled to find words describe me. But that’s ok. I didn’t take offense. People tell me all the time that I am creative, talented, and gifted. Honestly, I don’t really see a lot of that in myself...except maybe the creative part; and only because I am a true brainstormer. I guess that’s how God keeps me humble. I confess that I'm not as confident as I appear! I'm always amazed at the twists and turns that God makes in my life and at the situations, jobs, and leadership roles He provides. Many times I laugh at what I think is God's humor and of the paths He lays out for me. Today, I learned a little more about myself as I mowed the grass. Brian and I mowed our grass last weekend. It takes us both because it’s so hard and it’s terribly hot! When I had a full-time job, we had a yard keeper. Now, we do it ourselves. I feel terrible that after Brian has worked all week, and Sunday is typically a busy day, that yard work demands, and his only time off is Saturday. Who wants to spend your only day working hard on the yard in the heat?! Cutting the grass is a way to show him my love and help free him from that burden on the weekend. I don't do it all the time, but I did (again) this week. When I am determined, look out! I’ll stop at nothing! Today, I learned more about who I am. I am a stubbornly determined individual; which is not always a bad thing! For when I know within my heart that I am walking the right path, and doing what is right, I'll persistently pursue to the end. The grass is ankle deep, about 3 1/2 - 4 inches high, though it doesn't look that high until you step foot in it. I say "in it" because as you place your weight on your foot and the ground swallows your feet as you sink deep into the green cushion of the earth!" The temperature is steadily rising. I started early while it was cooler. It’s still hot! Don’t worry, I’ve learned how to pace myself so that I don’t get over heated! But during my 2 1/2 hours of yard cutting, stopping and resting no less than 10 times, I had a thought. Imagine that! So I rested again and with hot sweaty hands and brow, I took out my iPhone and recorded my thoughts about the difficulty of this task. I am much out of breath as I talk and rest under the shade of a tree. But, here I am, speaking live...unedited! I took some pictures and then put together a little movie about my thought and the lesson I learned while mowing the grass. I hesitated to post it but I pray that some little something from today's post will bless you or challenge you. So the scripture that comes to mind of course is, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Phil. 4:13 Our task!? What has God called you to do that seems difficult? Do you feel equipped? Inadequate? I’m sure Noah, the farmer, felt inadequate and not well equipped to construct an ark! Moses felt inadequate to be the mouthpiece of God as he was a man who was “slow of speech.” And how about Abraham, to be the Father of many nations, yet at his calling with no children?! In the many things God has allowed for my life, I’ve always felt inadequate and never well equipped. I still feel that way about many areas. I have to remember this verse from 1 Corinthians 1:25 - 31 25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26For you see your calling, brothers, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are:29That no flesh should glory in his presence.30But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made to us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glories, let him glory in the Lord. Yet, God has taken my very personality, strengths, and abilities to assist in what He calls me to do. I don’t always recognize it, but have a dear friend that often reminds me and helps me reflect on where I have come and how He has paved the way. Satan really does work hard to keep us from seeing who we are in Christ as we take those paths which He Himself prepared ahead of time, because he (Satan) is clearly aware of who you are and greatly knows the depth of your potential. All along you have been trained, coached, and directed by the Holy Spirit. Dive in and quit worrying about whether or not you are ready. It's been prearranged and planned for you long ago! If God is tugging, don't pull back. Use that tug as conformation that He is directing your feet to walk that path...of His choosing. I’m not afraid to mow the grass...I have basic knowledge in running the machine, a little strength, a whole lot of trust in God to help me attain, and that's all it takes! Likewise, whatever He calls me or you to do, the same principle applies: a little basic knowledge, a willingness, a little strength, and a life of trusting whole-heartedly in God. Philippians 1: 6 NIV 2 Timothy 2:12 Amplified Bible I have just finished the first week of SIP (Sisters in Pursuit - women's Bible study at my church) and I was touched at the testimony of a young woman. God is using her to accomplish things she never thought she was prepared to do. She jumped in over her head! But isn't that right where God wants us? In over our head so that we will trust and depend on him. A quote from our study book has really stuck with me. If we take God at His word, He'll take us places and work through us in ways that will cause others who knew us when, to step back, shake their heads, and say, "There has to be a God in heaven; no way could she have accomplished those things or become that person on her own." Time and time again, throughout scripture, God calls people out! They are ordinary people who then do extra-ordinary things! "What's so beautiful about our call is that God knows full well whom He's getting when He calls us." ~ S. Larson So, in the silly little lesson I learned while mowing my grass, I was encouraged by the Lord yet again! Simply to persistently pursue trusting and depending on Him. Do what I know to do and He will cover the rest! God always seems to give confirmations about what He has laid on my heart to write about. As I started this blog last week, I never thought about Him bringing it full circle with a testimony, repeated scriptures throughout the week, a study book, and this quote posted by a friend on Facebook. Thanks God! “Lord, let me make a difference for you that is utterly disproportionate to who I am.” David Platt Depending on Christ, Sherry If you would like to receive the "Monday Musings" RESTORE blog each week via email, please sign up and enter your email address in the upper right hand corner.
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