Encouragement for Today - July 10, 2009
July 10, 2009
Bring It To Me
“Bring them here to me.”
Matthew 14:18 (NIV)
Devotion:
"Mo-om," my six-year-old son calls from the den where he is working on math, "I can't do this!"
I am in the kitchen washing dishes. "If you can't do it," I call back, "Just bring it to me."
And in a whoosh, I hear God's still small voice, coming in on the heels of what I have just spoken aloud. "Isn't that what I say to you?" He reminds me.
When I am overwhelmed: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."
When I am angry: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."
When I am hurting: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."
When I am confused: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."
Thousands of years ago, the disciples faced a situation they couldn't do. They couldn't feed 5000 men and their families lunch even though the people were hungry. They knew that allowing them to leave would mean missing a great ministry opportunity... but their resources were sorely lacking. And then one little boy stood up and offered his lunch. Jesus responded, "Bring them here to me.” He took that meager offering—the tiniest bit offered in faith—and multiplied it beyond anyone's expectations.
I need God to do that for me every day. When I think that I can't do something, I need to faithfully take what little I can do and place it in His hands. And then I need to stand back and watch Him multiply my humble offering into something amazing.
What are you feeling like you can't do today?
Take on a challenge God is calling you to?
Respond to a ministry opportunity even though it is scary?
Stay in a marriage that looks over from where you're standing?
Persevere in your efforts to pay off debt?
Offer forgiveness to someone who hurt you?
Whatever it is, know this: You are right. You can't do it. So bring whatever it is to Him. Picture yourself offering it up, just like that little boy's lunch. Then stand back and prepare to be amazed.
Dear Lord, I praise You for being my burden bearer. Thank You for always taking my “I can’ts” and transforming them through Your power and Your blessings. Help me to remember not to be anxious or worried when I face difficulties, but to simply bring my issues to You again and again. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Read other real-life stories each month with our P31 Woman magazine
Learning to Live Financially Free Marybeth and Curt Whalen
For more from Marybeth, visit her blog as well as her resource page.
Application Steps:
In your journal, list all the reasons why you can’t do some aspect of your life—paying off debt, staying in your marriage, homeschooling, getting a job, etc. After you list all those reasons, take a red magic marker and write over top of the list the words “Bring it to Me.” Rejoice that these are Jesus’ words personally to you today!
Reflections:
Is there something you are telling God that you can’t do? Spend some time today telling Him to take your pitiful efforts and multiply them as only He can. Every time you start to worry, go back and bring it to Him.
Power Verses:
Psalm 115:11, “You who fear him, trust in the Lord—he is their help and shield.” (NIV)
Psalm 116:7, “Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” (NIV)
© 2009 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
