Sunday, January 29, 2017

Sunday Afternoon Tea - When our weakness is our message


Have you ever compared yourself to others, your life to that of your friends?  Of course, we all have.  It's human nature to do so... even if it isn't wise.  We tend to be in awe of people who are doing "great things for God" when our life seems so small. 

It got me thinking of how so often we say we are "just" a... wife, husband, single person, teenager, senior citizen, college student, parent, etc.  While in God's eyes we are His unique creation, each one of us an individual like no other who has ever lived or who will ever live on the planet.  We are His workmanship.  We are His Art.  We are part of His Story.  

There is nothing "just" or small about us.

We don't have a problem accepting that all the good stuff in our life comes from Him but what about the circumstances we would just as soon not walk through or live with?  Sigh... yes, we know they are allowed to mold us into who we are on this journey called life.  We are a compilation of the good and the gifts and the trials and the failures and the successes and the joys and the tears that He has allowed.

Sometimes it is the unwelcome news that has sent us on the direction we find ourselves in our journey.  For instance, if my son didn't have ADHD then I would have missed the enjoyment of homeschooling.  But I wasn't thinking joy that day we pulled him out of school to teach him at home.  The word I was thinking was... why?  That decision completely changed where I thought I'd be at that time in my life.

I know without a doubt that God uses our weakness as well as our strength to be His light in the world.  He understands our "why" questions but sometimes the answer is... because this is where I need you. That's hard for some Christians to accept but the truth is that God wants to use us where we are willing to go and sometimes where we are not so willing.

He wants those of us who know Him to be His salt and light in the special needs support group.  He wants those who love Him who have survived cancer or who live with chronic illness to listen to those just beginning to walk that path.  He needs the person in her 20s to share with the teenager how she stayed true to her faith in high school and the graduate student to help the freshman make good choices in that first year of college.

He knows that the parent who seemed to do everything right and loved God and knows His Word but finds herself with a prodigal in jail is just the person who can find peace and share it with other parents in the same situation.  He needs the couple who have stayed together over many years to assure the newlyweds they will get through the tough times with Jesus as the center of their marriage.

Everyone has gone through something and survived.  No Christian goes through this life without struggles.  We live in a fallen world.  This isn't Heaven, yet.  How can God use you?  When you have gained the wisdom He wants you to have in the midst of each trial.  Then he has someone who can step along side another to give encouragement and His Word.  Sometimes to a fellow Christian but quite often to one who would never step foot into a church. 

Sometimes I grow weary on this journey and I find encouragement in writings by those who have walked the path.  Then there are days when only The Book offers solace.  But I'm old enough to look back and know for certain that God never left me alone, that He has always provided what I need whether it is finances, or a friend, or that peace that passes understanding.

So if you think you are someone whose life is too small to be used by Him... know that if there is breath within you then He has you here for a reason.  A purpose which only you can accomplish.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautifully said! A cup of cold water? smile Pam (SD)

Vee said...

Not feeling it today, but thank you for the pep talk and the reminder. Yes, if we are still here, we are here for a reason. I can receive that much.

rejoyce said...

Thank you so much for these words of encouragement. I am in a very difficult place right now, both emotionally and physically. People call me strong, but right now I feel very weak. Only my Savior's hand is keeping me from falling into total despair. Praying for the time He gives me victory. Your words "this is where I need you" remind me once again that He uses us in many different ways to be light to others. Bless you for sharing these words today.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the reminder that He is in control and has a purpose for all that has been happening in my life. This was very timely and exactly what I needed to face another bad week ahead of me at work.

Kellylynn said...

Thank you <3

netablogs said...

That was so well written and encouraging. A great reminder for me today! Thanks!

Instagram.com/melissasnotes said...

Yes, I've never said these words..."Just a housewife", I have managed to say Homemaker many, many times. Volunteering/ministry as a Pastor's wife is my job. "Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary... may all who come behind us find us faithful." music by Steve Green.

Instagram.com/melissasnotes said...
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Instagram.com/melissasnotes said...
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Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

We need to completely change the way we think. We need to stop allowing our culture, even Christian culture, define us. We need to walk with God and let Him use us for His glory. We may not like the direction our lives take, but He says that he will work in us to will and to do of His good pleasure.

I don't always want to be where God wants to use me - its not always fun, or easy. But I do want God to use me, so I try to keep my eyes on Him.

Thanks for this good encouragement Brenda!

Kim said...

I needed this right now. Thank you.