Mamas*Little*Treasures

Who I am because of Him

“What makes authentic disciples is not visions, ecstasies, biblical mastery of chapter and verse, or spectacular success in the ministry, but a capacity for faithfulness.”

Brennan Manning, Ragamuffin Gospel     Sometimes it is in the smallest ways.  We are not always called to conquer the highest mountain or achieve the greatest success that the world might offer.  Frequently in our lives we are called to be faithful in quiet, hidden ways, in places no one else ever sees.  And it is rarely easy to keep going, to keep moving forward, to keep our eyes and hearts focused on the goal that has been set before us.  Climbing *our* mountain, whatever that might be, requires an endurance that we are sure we just do not have.  Through the weariness and exhaustion, we musr carry on.  I have found that it is in the determination and commitment to the task at hand that we will find the strength that God provides in our most fragile moments.  If we can make that decision, if we can set that goal before us no matter how difficult or painful it appears, there is God's grace that will enable us to continue on our journey of faithfulness.   Will we falter, fail, stumble, and fall?  Of course we will.  But it is not about *me* or *you* but about His strength in the midst of our weakness.  All that is required of us is a commitment to be faithful to what God has called us to do, and to remain faithful to who we are through His grace.  This is particularly personal for me as a mom.  Our commitment to the role and responsibilities of motherhood continue throughout our lives, no matter the ages of our children.  And even when our children do not understand, or they do not recognize all that they mean to us, there is that place in our heart that will never let go.  We remain faithful to our calling as a mother.  Even during the days when we perhaps struggle with *why* our children have turned away and have taken a journey that we do not understand, even in the midst of our pain and heartache, we remain faithful to who we are as mothers.   So, wherever we are in life, let us continue to do what is necessary to fulfill our calling in life.  For me, I will continue to do what a mother would do, no matter the response.  Because it is not in the response that I am found faithful.  It is in doing what I know is the right thing for me to do, and in my determination to be who I am supposed to be.  And what is interesting to me as I've traveled my own journey to faithfulness, is that I have found that the commitment to do what is right for *me* , no matter what anyone else does or says, has opened my heart to God's grace and blessing, and the strength that only He can give, to find joy in spite of the unanswered questions.  What a place of peace, when we offer Him our faithful obedience, and let Him take care of the results.  Such a seemingly simple task, but so difficult when your heart is breaking.    Please visit Tami today where you will find links to the other women who are participating with In Other Words this week.  Have a blessed Tuesday and a joy-filled week!  

Who Wrote the Last Chapter?

"The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases. All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs his heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” 

 

~ Proverbs 21: 1-3

So many voices all around us, calling us to listen to this and pay attention to that . . . . there is just so much to learn and understand about life.  And when I start to wonder what is happening in my world, and get overwhelmed with all of the chaos and confusion, I remind myself of Who is really in charge of our world.  If we had to depend on any human being to provide all that we need, always to make decisions that were "perfect," and to keep us safe, life would, indeed, be a frightening experience. 

 But I know that, whatever one believes about all of the turmoil that is gripping our country today, that our shelter is in our God.  He is the one who is our Protector, our Redeemer, and our Guide through every difficult moment of our lives.  In the midst of all of the voices that are calling to us today, we must remember that the last chapter of history has not been revealed yet.  It has been written, for sure, but we have not read it . . . . but we can be confident that it has been written by One who knows and cares about our every concern, and He alone can protect us in our darkest moments of fear and struggle.  I am confident that He will provide exactly what each of us needs, no matter our circumstances.  He is in control of EVERY heart, including those who hold temporal power over our lives.  I know Who is REALLY making all of the decisions!

Proverbs 21:1-3