This week, I’ve been thinking about the different ways that God sends us messages. I’m always amazed and humbled when a person speaks words I need to hear, or I read words that resonate with a situation I’m experiencing. Time and time again, God shows up to give me a message either for myself or for someone else.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the journey of raising children? Or by the number of responsibilities at work? Or by the relationships you would like to improve but don’t know where to start? I could list other examples but I’m guessing you have at least one that comes to your mind. At church this last week, I heard some great words spoken by Mr. Teddy Flo (a parent here at Conejo) during his sermon that I’m sure were specifically for me. I hate to admit it, but there are days when I feel like everything is too much, I’m not capable of doing everything well, I’m failing at parenting, and leading, and relationships…AND I’d like to move to the woods. (If I could add an emoji here, it would be the face with its teeth showing in a grimace.) However, I’m here and I know God has plans for me. He gave me children to raise, placed me as a principal of many children, put people in my life as friends, family and colleagues, and more. I have the responsibilities I have because they are part of God’s plan for me. And here are those great words…"When you understand that God himself is doing this work; You realize that he doesn’t lay his expectation upon you. He lays His power." Whatever God places in front of me is His work, not mine. He isn’t upset or angry with me when I fail, or think I’ve failed, He is just waiting for me to tap into His power. Thank you, Mr. Flo, for this wonderful reminder about the big picture of life.
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3 NLT