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May 9, 2011
Bring It to Me |
"Bring them here to me." Matthew 14:18 (NIV)
Devotion:
"Mo-om," my six year old son called from the den where he was working on math, "I can't do this!"
I was in the kitchen washing dishes. "If you can't do it," I called back, "Just bring it to me."
In a whoosh, I heard 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 reminded 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.
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:
Do You Know Him?
Becoming a Woman of Influence (Audio) by Marybeth Whalen
Visit Marybeth's blog or click here for more of her resources.
She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen. A novel for every woman who has looked at another woman's life and said, "I want what she has," She Makes It Look Easy reminds us of the danger of pedestals and the beauty of authentic friendship.
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: "Bring it to Me." Rejoice that these are Jesus' words personally to you today!
Reflections:
Is there something I am telling God I can't do? I'll spend some time today telling Him to take my pitiful efforts and multiply them as only He can. Every time I start to worry, I'll 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)
© 2011 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org