Some days I have hard time keeping up.
–A new job
–Managing and writing on two blogs
–Taking care of my family
–Keeping up with responsibilities at home (O, the laundry!!)
–Running an at-home business
–Being a BSF leader
–Spending time in God’s Word and in prayer
–Exercising to stay healthy
If I think about it all too much, I can begin to feel overwhelmed.
And so I don’t.
I just keep doing what I can do, and pray as I go.
I imagine your list is just as full.
Maybe it’s not a wise decision to make such a list. I didn’t expect mine to be quite that long. Seeing all we do on paper, or on a screen, can be somewhat paralyzing. Or, quite the opposite, it can make us feel like we’re superwoman or superman, and we can do it all.
Both places can be discouraging, disheartening, and dangerous.
I don’t believe God desires for us to walk around overwhelmed, and there are many scriptures that reference how God doesn’t want us depending only on ourselves. In studying His Word, I see He wants us to serve Him and serve others, yet His plan isn’t for us to do everything that comes our way, either.
God doesn’t call us to do it all.
He calls us to do only what He wants us to do. Not to be overwhelmed. Not to be underwhelmed. Not to do it on our own strength, but in His.
Are you with me??
I have found when God calls me to do something, He equips me to do it. He also gives me a desire to do it to the best of the ability He’s given me.
And I’ve also experienced, if I’m doing too much, I begin to feel I’m in way over my head. If I’m doing too little, restlessness and a feeling of being unsettled sets in. But when I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing, that’s the sweetest place to be…
In the center of God’s will.
Yes, that’s the best place to be.
Even with a list this long. Even on the days when we can’t seem to keep up.
God gives us the grace to do what He’s called us to do. All we need to do is trust.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5-6
He makes the things on our list blend together into a beautiful life. Yes, a beautiful life.
I couldn’t be more thankful.
Taking a look at your life, what is God calling you to do or to step away from? What beauty do you see in the list of your life?
May you also find yourself in a place of thankfulness today, and not feeling overwhelmed or underwhelmed.
Lifting you in prayer today, friend!
Julie
It’s a pleasure to link this post with friends Kelly for #RaRaLinkup and Holly for Testimony Tuesday. I invite you to visit these beautiful places of encouragement as well.
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Good stuff.
Today was physically the worst day I can recall, and all I asked for was the ability to put one foot in front of the other until it was done.
Still a ways to go, but the end is in sight.
Tomorrow it all happens again, and my prayer will be the same.
I guess I hear God’s voice best in the diligence – to do what has to be done, now, without putting it off.
Diligence, oh so important, and what a great thing to hear God through. Sorry to read you had a tough day yesterday, Andrew. Hang in there. Others are praying for you, including me.
I have been very thankful for this new year . . . what feels like a refresh button . . . to ponder more where God is calling me to be. The Storyline conference I attended the end of last year also helped in putting some things in to perspective (i.e. establishing what I believe God says are my primary roles). This has helped me to say no to those things that do not align with those roles.
btw, I did not know you were a BSF leader. Fabulous!!
Also, we need to connect again on exactly where you live. My husband may be transferred to a unit in Indiana (I believe I’ve got that right) and if I recall you are somewhere around there. We won’t be moving but I could potentially travel with him one weekend.
That’s all for now!
Happy New Year, Julie.
Much love.
xoxo
Hey Beth! I loved reading your words here regarding a “refresh button.” How wonderful! Aren’t you glad you went to that conference? I’m so glad it had such an impact on you. What a gift! Yes, I’ve been a BSF leader for, I believe 13 years. I live in Iowa, probably about four hours away from you. It would be great to meet up sometime soon! Happy New Year to you too, Beth. Blessings to you!
You know Julie? I really value this post. I am overwhelmed a bit. I know what God has called me to do – but there is a lot to do. I am going to seek after him more and listen more. Thank you for this. I seriously cheer your words that have got me thinking. And, that is what it is all about… Thank you so very much for joining me!
Kelly, thank you for hosting the #RaRaLinkup link. It’s a joy to be a part of it each week. So glad we can encourage and strengthen each other through the love of Jesus! God bless you as you seek after Him and listen more. He’s got great things in store for you. Cheering you on!