More/Bring It On!
Abraham Lincoln said: “He never asked us to do something great.” (After being asked, “What did you think of the sermon, Mr. President?”)
What is it that you want said of you? That you lived until you died, or that you were dying to really live? I’m painfully aware that many of us in ministry experience days that we feel like we are living in survival mode. Some days we get out of bed in the morning only looking forward to the hour we can crawl right back in. Facing the challenges of the day seems like a daunting task… and we hit the snooze button.
Sleep problems are no laughing matter, and based on the last few months, it seems that God is finally turning me into a morning person. Not the kind of morning person that wakes up refreshed and ready to “bring it”, but the kind that just wakes up early with no alarm clock– regardless of how short the night was–and then I slowly and quietly begin my day. I’m finding myself adjusting again to a new season of life. What this means for me is, I have a choice to handle it with grace, or I can choose to go down the “woe is me” path. More specifically it means I’d better get to bed earlier, or this former night owl will be sleep-walking through the day!
This struggle for sleep can cause my focus to be on the problem, and if I’m not careful, all other areas of my life will be out of focus. Put on your spiritual lens for a moment and take a look at what this truth does for us if we let it soak in: Just as I can allow my focus to be on a lack of sleep, causing my view to be distorted, I am reminded that if 
my focus in life is on anything but God, His will becomes hazy and His hand is harder to see. When we keep our focus on Him, however, the problems of this life will grow strangely dim… Can’t you just hear the words of this great old hymn?
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to sleep-walk through life. God wants so much more from us and for us!
and what never entered the human mind-
Whatever season of life you are in, God specially designed you to be a light in this dark world:
Ephesians 5:8-13 “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light- for the fruit of the light results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth-discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. Everything exposed by the light is made clear, for what makes everything clear is light. Therefore it is said:
Don’t you see? He is the Light of Men… and we are to reflect that light in every activity we are involved in.“Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men.” John 1:4
“… let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
Vickie
Join me in the devotionals to post a comment or the forums for a discussion on not sleep-walking through the day but what it looks like when you ask God to “BRING IT ON!”
Vickie is a Pastor’s wife in O’fallon, Illinois. She and her Pastor husband (Her best friend since high school) have been married for 30 + years. Vickie describes herself as a stay-at-home pastor’s wife whose children are are grown: Three of them married and one headed to college. She is Nana to THREE beautiful grandchildren! She is passionate about her faith, her family and is praying for direction as she navigates this season of change. You can catch her at her blog wateringcanblog.com
Yes, sometimes my life does feel like the Matthew West song, and I am just going through the “motions” of daily life. I have lost focus and knowing of the importance of having God as my main focus. This devotion has really helped me to understand that I can make more of my life than I expect of myself, I just need to give it all to Him so He can make my life into what He expects.
I hope you can see that He wants so much more for us than just “going through the motions”! I hope you were encouraged that you’re not alone, and that we all can experience those kind of days…just don’t let it turn into days, weeks or months. Keep your eyes on Jesus!
As a young mother of 2, I am constantly having this battle I have to remember that God has ordained this season for me right now. He will give me the strength and energy. I only need to trust him.
Nolamomma2, ENJOY this season! They grow up so fast and those times are so precious. I know some days are harder than others, but when you look at the big picture, these days are fleeting and it’s more important that you make memories with your children than anything else you could accomplish! Don’t ever forget the high calling and privilege of being called, “MOM”. :0) Hang in there!
Hi Vickie!
I am returning to being a stay at home pastor’s wife with almost grown children! I have a daughter in seminary (along with my husband!) and a son who is about to start high school who I will be homeschooling this year! A new season of life for me as well!! I think God has called me out of my comfort zone to keep me from falling into a slumber! 🙂
Blessings to you always!!
Thanks, Kim! Sounds like we are in a very similar situation…my baby’s a sophomore in college, though, and I get my kid fix from my grandchildren! And you’re right–I believe God DOES do that sometimes! :0)
I woke up this morning feeling frustrated and angry because we are supposed to leave for vacation this morning and we’re not ready. After some angry words last night (mine) with certain family members who didn’t pack and prepare as I expected, I wasn’t looking forward to interacting with them today. But God knows what we need to hear to change our attitudes. He used your last paragraph to speak to me. This is His day, and I can choose to shine His light regardless of what others do or don’t do. Even though we won’t be leaving when I expected to, I’m going to start acting like it’s vacation and relax! People, especially my family, are more important than my schedule or my expectations.
Linda, You GOT it! We all have choices, and the choice to leave our circumstances in God’s hands is always the best choice! I can’t tell you how many times the direction of my day is changed just because I stop and ask God to give me the right perspective–to see things as He does. So glad you were encouraged!
We all have “seasons” to deal with and live. Mine has been helping my father who is very ill. I feel like I am being torn in many directions, but God provides the strength to do it all. Just know that God will provide the help and the way for us to get His job done. Thank you Father for your strength and direction.
momofthree: BLESS your heart!! <3 My father-in-law passed away last summer, and I can tell you–we have no regrets about the time we spent with him–only wish we could have had more. God DID provide for us–His comfort, His peace and His direction. Keep your eyes on Jesus and He will get you through! <3
@ redbird1021: I am so grateful that God uses all kinds of circumstances to get our attention and to help us get our focus back on Him! I’m so glad you were encouraged!