I don't like it when Scripture is taken out of context, so I want to be very careful in sharing this Work of God in my heart this weekend.
1Peter 5:8-11 says, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen." (ESV)
Now I realize that this was originally written to Christians suffering serious persecution - they DIED for their faith. BUT this passage was a particular blessing to me as I battle discouragement. I know that Satan wants me to be crippled by my feelings. I know that I'm definitely not the only mom to feel, at times, alone and trapped inside her house with sick germs and then feel guilty for not being thankful for the gift of being at home with precious children. I know that staying home with my children is NOT persecution and suffering in a literal sense, meaning that my only persecution is from Satan, who wants me to quit the struggle and fail. It can be hard. Very hard. And I know that God's grace is sufficient. Only by His grace will I realize any measure of success.
So this weekend was one of reflection on the gifts God has given, the sometimes hard days, and His Grace. I have some changes to make, because I DO want God to be glorified in all my days, especially in the tedious ones. I am learning to submit to what He wants for my life, and learning to rest in the promises.
I am ALSO thrilled that God allowed us to do so much this weekend. Michael worked on our house - we still had some unseen-from-the-road walls to side - siding in the winter is no fun! He's probably got one more day's worth of work until the whole project is finished, upon which time we will all sing HALLELUJAH and perhaps do a happy dance. You can come, if you want.
I was able to begin the immense task of yard cleanup, take a bike ride with Aaron (which I couldn't do last summer because I was vvvvvvvvery pregnant and I didn't trust my balance with the child seat in back and the belly in the front) and even help with the siding. It was gorgeous yesterday, and we all went to church for the Missions Conference kickoff. Brett Habing was there with the Northern Lights, and seeing him was a happy blast from the past.
So you've heard my praises. How has God provided for your family this week? What has He been teaching you? What are you thankful for? How did you watch God work this week? Take a little time to praise the Lord with your blog or leave a comment!
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11
In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.
3 comments:
I was moved by your honesty and know the feeling well.
I chose to stay home with our girls because of that choice I was alone a lot.
We couldn't afford much we had one car which Eric took to work, living in a tailer park.
It took us till our kids started school to pay off our medical debts.
God has always provided what we needed and not what we necessarily wanted.
While others were buying new cars and going on fun vacations we were paying for our children and just getting by.
I don't regret it one bit "children truly are a blessing from the Lord".
It was important to me to stay home my mom was a working mom and was always too tired for us.
I was the oldest and in charge of my sisters and brother.
I felt this responsibility over whelming as a child,(We were lock key kids with the TV as our babysitter)
We weren't allowed to go to friends homes.
In the summer we worked on a farm in the summer.
I enjoyed the work because I didn't have to be responsible for my siblings when I was working on the farm, my grandmother took that responsibility.
Because I was shy it was hard for me to make friends at school.
I had strong feelings about when I had kids I wasn't going to work outside the home because of my experience.
Not all kids who have working mom's have a bad experiences.
In the 80's it was not popular to stay home with your kids or to even have kids or to get married.
You were suppose to get a job or further your education, have fun and do what you wanted.
It was hard to fight against the grain of family opinion and societies expectations.
I paid an emotional cost, of dying to self and going against popular belief but I'm glad I did it.
Threw it I learned to be content in all things, I learned to content alone, I learned to appreciate little things and how to be creative.
We did the best we could with God's help as far as raising our children most parents do.
Both girls are responsible, and are functioning in society as good citizen's.
I miss them both deeply, I also know that we will not have the times we use to have when they were home.
So I'm glad that I took 18 years of my life and set it aside for them.
It goes so fast.
It wasn't easy we had our struggles but the blessing always out weigh the struggles.
I know they are in God's hands and know I have to let go even more than before.
That's when it really gets hard when your children leave home, your trust in God grows stronger.
They are their own family now.
Leo and Carmen are in NY and we are blessed to see them once a year.
Nate and Lissa are closer and we try to see them once a month if it works out.
Thanks for sharing your heart.
Love, Shelley
Our God is so amazing to give us His Word! I was overwhelmed by a hymn yesterday, My Jesus I love thee, and am challenged to live better for him!
I agree with numerous of your stay at home mom sentiments :) You are not alone!
Jenny, thank you for this post! I needed the encouragement from that passage of Scripture at this time. Sorry that I have been absent from "blog world" for the last month or so, and that I just now read of your struggles. I'm glad we talked recently on the phone, but I should've been reading your blog and knowing how better to pray for you.
Kris and I just sang, "Before the Throne of God Above" on Sun. That song is very special to us, and we haven't sung it in many months. The truths hit me again like a ton of bricks! The second verse made me realize again that Satan only wants me to feel defeated, worthless, etc. and not be effective for Christ. I pray we will both remember Who our God is and keep our eyes fixed on Him as we face those discouraging times. We have a Great High Priest Who intercedes for us--AMAZING!!! I love you and miss you much!!!
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