Not my job ~
What - that isn't my job?
This current darkness that I'm in is so overwhelming at times - the struggle doesn't make me question if You are real, God, it makes me question why I continue to keep praying.
In this moment, I'm learning the biggest obstacle in my path is my PRIDE!
God, I'm self-sufficient, self-righteous, and absorbed in my hurts and pain - all of which keep me from being who You've called me to be!
You already know this - but, I feel like You need my help, I feel like everyone else should have the same mindset as me, and I keep replaying hurtful situations/comments over and over (like I'm the first person who's ever faced difficult situations/people)
But the truth is - You don't need my help - You created this magnificent universe without me - You are more than able to handle the minute details of my life.
You don't need me to judge others according to my standards. They're skewed, to say the least, and I am not qualified to take the speck out of others' eyes when there's a log in my own! Matthew 7:3-5
Why am I so taken aback by the hard situations/people that I encounter in my life - Jesus, Who was absolutely perfect - endured a piercing pain (both emotionally and physically) that I cannot even begin to fathom. He was betrayed by His closest friends - and I think I'm above that?
So, if my job isn't to help You when I feel like You're not on it like You should be; if my job isn't to help You take care of others' issues; if my job isn't to create perfect harmony here on earth; what is my job?
My job is not to get bogged down with the heaviness of an imperfect earth. My sole purpose is to glorify You, to worship You, to praise You simply because You are YOU.
Worshipping You changes my perspective from who I think I am to focusing on Who You are!
A couple weeks ago I had the privilege of watching our two two-year old grandsons (born five days apart). I could never express the joy of that day! They are just the best of friends and are beginning to explore and adventure together.
Here's the best part of this sweet relationship - it wouldn't have to be this way! Technically, their parents are "half" siblings - but, praise God our family doesn't live by that terminology.
The Creator of this Universe stepped down into the midst of our blended family and removed the "halves" and made us whole. Many outside our family circle don't understand - and that's ok - we do!
So the question I have to ask myself is this: if my God, from the fullness of His grace, has given me grace upon grace (John1:16) why do I focus on the ugly, why do I allow bitterness to grow within me, why do I think He needs my help ~ I'm clearly not qualified!
You see, God doesn't need my help with anything. He took our family, which started out as a hot mess and created something divinely beautiful. All He needs from me is praise, adoration, and glory for what He has done!
Tucked in the middle of Isaiah 61:3 are these words:
,
. . . the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness
I have felt such a heaviness this last little bit, and here, written well over two thousand years ago is the anecdote - wear the garment of praise.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
Praising YOU - that's my job!
Your words convicted and calmed me and I needed both right now. Why do we work so hard at trying to “figure it all out?” The only thing to figure out is already figured out. Our Sovereign God wants us to just trust Him. Thank you for reminding me to do just that.
And……please continue to add more pictures of the two adorable little cousins!
I agree, it’s exhausting trying to figure it all out!
Those two are precious!
Powerful words again, Michele.
And I agree with Aunt Sharon, more cousin pictures!
I never get tired of seeing their excitement when they first see each other! What an immeasurable blessing!
Thank you for stepping into your mess and sharing with us your real struggles. Being this vulnerable will indeed produce fruit both in your life and in the lives of all who take the time to read. Michele, you inspire me, and I’m honored to be your friend and to get to watch God make your life so beautiful. What a testimony for all to see.
Kristi, I cannot thank you enough for your prayers and love over the years! You are seeing the fruit to your faithful prayers!