Being Weak

" Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."    Romans 8:26

 

 

I recently broke my elbow which has slooooowed... me... waaaaay... down... physically, and even emotionally. I am pretty strong-willed, and what Mom can ever fully rest who has little ones, so I have continued on getting done what I can. My husband and kids have really jumped in to fill in gaps that I leave. Everything takes 3 times as long to do (as I am even typing one handed as we speak!!), so I do hit "walls" throughout the day- physical ones and emotional ones. Part of the frustration emotionally is needing to rely on others for help. I am trying so hard, and what used to be easy for me now takes a lot more out of me...draining me.

 

When I fell on my arm Sunday, I smashed my IPhone. It actually softened the blow of my face when it hit the ground otherwise my cheek would have smashed the jagged concrete and probably caused worse damage. Amazingly it still works!! But I need to get over to the Apple store, about 45 min drive away, to have it repaired. So, I asked a friend of mine if she could drive me there. My husband voiced an interest in going to the store with me, and I won't pass up any opportunity for him to go to the store with me cuz he hardly ever ever goes with me or the kids. So, my text to my friend simply said, "My husband wants to do the apple with me. Have a great day!" You can imagine reading that first thing in the morning, still waking up...He wants to do what?!? Toooo funny!!

What a GREAT relief to know with God, we don't have to explain ourselves, reason, justify, be politically correct, walk on eggshells, figure out what we mean to say, put words to how we feel or watch our every move. He KNOWS your heart, your thoughts and your fears!! When we don't know what to say, the Lord intercedes. When the ache inside our heart throbs, He feels every beat of it with you. He knows the cries of your heart. When we do not understand, we can rest in His care. When there are just no words, He speaks for you.

This is true whether in times of great turmoil or times of worship. Have you ever stood before your Father, Redeemer, Healer, Refuge and been speechless in complete awe? Those are beautiful moments!!! Oh Glorious Precious God!! WOW...what extremes our hearts can reach and yet, " the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."

 

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thank You for how You care for me. It is equally frightening and yet comforting to know that You can see the words my heart and mind speaks. You see me for me and yet You also see who You have created me to be. You see my intentions and motives. You hear the smallest whispers of worry in days of trials and You can comprehend shouts of praise in my spirit and heart overflowing with awe. You count every tear of pain and joy. There is nothing that escapes You. Thank You for knowing me so intimately. Please draw me closer to You so I may know you better and hear what You are saying to me. Be my words when I don't know what to say. Lead me off the path of destruction onto the path of righteousness. 

Hear me Lord today. Give me rest in my weakness, that my heart, my mind and my spirit will draw strength in You. I praise Your Holy, Ever-present, Name, my Friend, Father, my Lord, amen.

 

 

Every Little Bit Matters

A girlfriend and I were walking to a local coffee shop to grab a morning cup of the greatly anticipated Pumpkin Spice when she turned her wallet a certain way causing the loose change to spill out. Most of us would have simply left the "small change" thinking it unnecessary or meaningless. I mean, What could a few random pennies, nickles and a quarter or two really benefit? She however, initiated the pick up, so we gathered them one by one as we carried on in conversation, never skipping a beat! (Us Women are talented, aren't we?!? LOL)

Well, who knew how valuable these little random coins would come to be. In fact, these coins were deal breakers. Without those random, seemingly meaningless coins, there could be no Pumpkin Spice coffee. For my sweet friend, this money was her "play" money and every bit of it mattered. Without it, she would not have been able to get what she was asking for. I don't believe the kind lady would have allowed her to even smell the highly anticipated cup of Pumpkin Spice coffee had she not had the proper exchange amount. The coffee was conditional on her pooling together her random coins so they would collectively pay the whole required.

God may give Grace, but Starbucks does not!!

Every little bit does matter, especially in the economy of God. When we look at the world with all of it's problems...when I look at my own life and wonder, Where do I even begin?...it can be overwhelming to say the least. What can little 'ole me possibly do to make a difference? Will my one simple meal really even help? Will my few hours donated ease the burden for another when looking at the amount needed? Will my prayers change anything? Do I have enough to give? Am I enough?

The answer is YES!! We are one instrument of many in God's symphony. Each instrument's unique sound comes together alongside the others and produces a beautiful harmony, producing a sound that could never have been realized on it's own.

I have to believe that my single prayers said, my few hours donated, my limited resources, my lack of comprehension will all be redeemed by God's mighty hand, multiplied and made complete in His grand purpose. God is not up in Heaven taking votes, and the one with the highest score wins His favor. NO!! He hears the smallest of cries. He sees the broken hearted who keeps on keeping on in the face of the world. There is not one tear that falls which He didn't see. The Lord our God knows the hearts and souls of His creation, whether they acknowledge Him as Abba Father or not, He sees His created.

 All He asks for when you pray, is that you have the faith of a mustard seed. That tiny seed...and yet this tiny seed has the power to move a mountain!!

Take heart, you matter. There is nothing random or meaningless about you. Your instrument will compliment in perfect harmony the whole orchestra of those worshiping, believing, giving, hoping, longing, expecting with you! Every bit of you matters! 

Father, Lord God Almighty,

May YOU be the Multiplier in our lives. Although you delight in our heart's intentions, bless our willing hands. Ready our feet to go where You say go, whether the distance seems big or small in our eyes. God, bless our every little bit. I know it matters to You. Give us courage to have the faith and faith to have the courage to move mountains in Your mighty Name. Our Redeemer, Our Healer, Our Multiplier of abundant resources, Grace and Love, Praise Your Name above all others, amen.

" He said to them, " Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."  Mathew 17:20

BLESSINGS!!!