“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”—2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
Is there an area in your life where you find yourself making excuses on why you can’t do something that God is clearly calling you to do? Think about when you use the words, “I can’t” or “I don’t.” I know I frequently think, “I can’t do this or I don’t have the time for this.”
There is an enemy and he knows that fear, anxiety, stress and being too busy are some of the tools that can keep many of us (that would be me) from doing God’s will in our lives. For over a year it is what kept me from starting a website with a weekly blog. I knew if I was going to pursue getting some type of knitting devotion book published that I had to do it, however, since it overwhelmed me to even think about it, I did nothing. I had no idea where to start or what to do. In hindsight, I know it is because I never asked God for his help. It was easier to come up with excuses than make myself vulnerable.
When I went to a Christian writers conference two years ago to pitch my book idea, one of the first questions I was asked was, Do you have a website/blog? I was honest and said, “No, but I plan on it doing it as soon as I get home.” The reality was that I wanted to see if my book was something that was “publishable.” Thankfully, God didn’t let my lack of faith stop it from happening. He led me to the right people which gave me affirmation and confidence to continue with something that I felt He clearly wanted me to do.
Rather than allowing God’s strength to show through me, I focused on my weakness and why I couldn’t do my website. That is where I have to be careful to not let Satan get a stronghold. I have to remind myself daily that this isn’t about me. It is all about loving God and loving others, which is what we are all called to do. I knew God wanted me to step out in faith with the book, but writing these posts were also something He wanted me to do.
Fear/anxiety is what kept me from doing my blog prior to that conference. Why should I start a website if I don’t even know if anyone would be interested in my book? Who is going to want to read my blog posts? Why would someone want to subscribe to it? Will anyone? By the way, if this made its way into your email inbox, THANK YOU! I’m not going to lie, it’s not like I have this big following, but God convicted me early on that, even if only one person subscribed to read my blog that I was doing what He asked me to do. Thankfully, there is more than one person and for those of you that are reading this😊, you are one of the reasons why I keep sharing what God lays on my heart to write.
God needed someone like me, who on her own could not possibly come up with over 50 patterns/devotions in a four month period. I had to not only make myself available, but also be open to letting God work through me. He is still the one guiding my hands as I write these weekly posts. He gives me the words and wisdom to share my heart. God wants to give you words and wisdom to share His love too. All you have to do is ask.
Dear Lord,
It is easy for me to make excuses on why I can’t do something. Help me to trust You will give me strength in my weakness. Replace any feelings of inadequacy with confidence. Thank You that Your grace is all I need. I praise You that the power of Christ can work through an ordinary person like me. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.
If you are memorizing script along with me, how did you do with this month’s memory verse?
August Memory Verse
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”—Matthew 6:34
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