Thursday, March 27, 2014

Except....Can I?

The last Destination Imagination (DI) practice before the State Competition for the high school team I manage was Wednesday. Now it is in God's hands. I guess that is where it always was, but right before the contest, I am always glad  to remember that fact. My team practiced, and then loaded the van with all the props and set, ready for the weekend. Our long and arduous journey is almost at an end.

Meanwhile, another journey is beginning. I am working with one of the recent "saves" from the abortion mill, a young lady that chose life for her unborn child. She has many needs...frankly, somewhat overwhelming needs. I am learning about a whole new world, that I knew existed, but have no first hand knowledge of. It is sobering how difficult a life situation some people have to crawl out of. Again, I am grateful this situation is in God's hands. I know the Bible says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"....except....can I?

The best time to step forward in faith is when we know we do not have what it takes to succeed. I imagine that is why God so often brings us to a place where we know we cannot succeed short of miraculous intervention. It feels like cruelty while we are enduring the agony of self doubt and failure, but it is an act of infinite love and grace when we come to the place where God shows us in no uncertain terms that we are not alone. We are not left on our own. He is here, not only beside us, but within us, and His encouragements surround us. I can almost hear Him whispering, "Let go! You can do this, and if you fall, I will catch you."

One thing is for sure -- if we don't let Him stretch us and put us in those impossible places, it will be our loss. We can't know His power if we never call upon it.

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Hebrews 10:36

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

James 1:2-4 

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:12 

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Colossians 1:11 

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,

1 Corinthians 10:13 

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Romans 12:12 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

2 comments:

  1. We are all as guilty as those who choose abortion, i think, since so few of us step out to say, don't kill your baby, we will help you through it...all too busy with our own little lives to get involved...God forbid we should be inconvenienced in any way. God will see you through it, I know you know this Vicky.

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    Replies
    1. amen! I know also that I can only do so much -- the rest is up to the mama and God. I pray she continues to make better choices, especially in obedience to God.

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