One day, in like 2009, I was sitting at my desk. Everything was in order. All was calm. I had just finished reviewing an audit of the ministry and life was good.
I remember sitting back and thinking, “Wow. It’s quiet around here. I wonder if they even NEED me around here? Maybe I should write a leadership book.”
Good thing I didn’t. Because within a week a two, things started humming along and the speed, need and demand on my time just kept increasing.
And just a few days ago, I was being STRETCHED. I was STRESSED OUT about life. Work. Church. Being Enough. Not sleeping enough. Not feeling good. Feeling empty. And having to preach that very night.
I was on the floor…PLEADING.
“God, I don’t know if You picked the right girl! I don’t know if I can do this!!!”
His reply to me was, “Aren’t you glad you didn’t write that leadership book?” At that moment I was freaked out that He remembered that, because I had forgotten! But my answer was a resounding and sobbing, “YES!”
He continued, “Finally! NOW I can work in you. When you are at the end of YOU, I can begin.”
Whatever We Need. Whenever We Need It.
When we finally come to the END of ourselves, when we finally stop thinking it is our STRENGTH that gets it done, when we finally quit trying to do it OURSELVES…that’s where God can BEGIN.
When we CAN’T…that’s when He CAN!
When we’re WEAK…thats when He’s STRONG!
When we’re NOT…that’s when He becomes the great “I AM”!
What Is God? Who Is God?
When Moses had enough with the Israelites. When Moses couldn’t figure out how to explain who God is to them.
Moses went to God and asked Him how to explain who He is.
And God said,
“Baby, you just tell them this..I AM.” (My paraphrase.)
He IS whatever we need. He IS whatever we are not. He IS whatever we are lacking. He IS our strength. He IS our hope.
He’s our:
· DOCTOR in the sick room.
· LAWYER in the courtroom.
· COUNSELOR in our corner.
He’s the lover and LIFTER of our souls. He LOVES us, even when we don’t love ourselves!
All That, And A Bag Of Chips!
“I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
ALL! A…L…L; that’s EVERYTHING!
Whatever we aren’t…HE IS!
We can do anything we need to do, with JESUS! That’s the HOW that you can’t figure out. Him. Not us, us IN HIM.
Prayer For Today
“Father God, thank you, that you’re changing the way we think about ourselves. We keep thinking ‘me’ and You keep telling ‘me IN Christ.’ You’re ridding us of those doubts and feelings of failure and broadening our vision to match the one You’ve had for us since the beginning of the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Share With Us
Have you felt, lately, like you were at the END of your rope? Tell us how encouragement from God’s Word has helped you to hang on!
So So GOOD! Thanking & Praising the LORD!!
Thanks Pastor Nicole
Wow! I truly needed this Pastor Nicole! No matter what is being thrown at me (which is quite a bit at the moment) my Father is the great I AM! Woooooo! Amen
Thank you pastor! This Word is just what the doctor ordered. This is how I combat stress. With God’s word and support from mentors like u and Pastor David. God bless.
Through him I can do all things…I need you God and trust in you.