One hour and 36 minutes until deadline. Having returned to full-time teaching this year, I’m learning the complexities of balancing a job along with working with my husband in ministry and continuing my writing. All of which trail the two main roles in my life—wife and mom. Life is far from predictable. Some days—most days—it feels impossible. Tempted to live in the land of “never enough time,” I can either become overwhelmed or wait expectantly on the Lord. Only one choice allows my life to become a daily transfer of the impossible to the possible (Luke 1:37).
Because the secular world thrives on a treadmill of activity, we can mistakenly demonize any level of busyness. While we need to be aware of the reasons for our packed schedules and regularly assess their validity, the need for time does not always suggest a lack of order. Sometimes it is the presentation of a divine opportunity.
When Jesus ministered to the multitudes and became aware of their hunger, He didn’t chastise them for their lack of preparation (Mark 6:35-37). He fed them. Their need was not a result of sin; it came as a revelation of the kingdom—both in their spiritual hunger and their physical satisfaction (vv.42-44).
God wants to unfold in our lives His principle of kingdom provision—where “not enough” becomes the assurance that He “is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). Not because we are asking for our own desires, but because we are working for His (James 4:3).
When we’ve given all we have with the heart of a faithful steward, we have only to wait. He will provide. Present the need to Him and wait on His perfect timing.
More:
This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Next:
How can your need be an opportunity to develop a heart of expectation in Jesus? How are you a steward of God’s resources?
cspevacek on August 24, 2010 at 5:20 am
How do we know for sure that the things that are happening are under His control? I believe and trust Him, but there are thosr around me who are not followers and they are doing things in my life that are hurtful and overwhelming. I am trying to reach out and help others who are also going thru so much, but then it:s hard for me to feel secure and cared for.
regina franklin on August 24, 2010 at 10:10 am
Dear cspevacek–good question! I think the story of Joseph gives us a starting point. Joseph knew the things God had called him to and it seemed as if the choices his brothers were making were taking Joseph farther from his dreams. In fact, though, God was using those painful, trying times not only to bring Joseph to the place of leadrship God had called him to but also to perfect God’s character in him (so that when Joseph would have the opportunity for revenge after Jacob’s death, that Joseph would refuse to take the enemy’s bait).
Your desire for comfort and nurture, however, is a valid one. I will pray that the Lord will continue to reveal Himself as your safe place. Beth Moore’s book So Long Insecurity has provided some powerful insight into this area in my life. May you feel His love today and know that He is always trustworthy, just as He is always good.
lindagma on August 24, 2010 at 6:33 am
The last two weeks have been overwhelming… packed full of tasks that needed to be done.. fulfilling requests of others… all on top of adjusting to new bio-identical hormones and thyroid. I didn’t even want to get out of bed. Yesterday, I prayed, “Lord, if you want me to do your work, you’re going to have to take over and make me feel better.” I had the best day I’ve had in months. In His strength.. not mine!
regina franklin on August 24, 2010 at 10:05 am
Dear Lindagma–rejoicing in the Lord with you!
mickeymouse on August 24, 2010 at 11:50 am
When we are only seeing problems and not solutions, illness and not wholeness, lack and not aboundance, we only need to sit quietly, in silence and establish our oness with God and, we will begin to see things differently.
God Bless You,
Sandra
jennifer benson schuldt on August 24, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Hi Regina,
I often live in the land of never enough time. Thank you for these important words–they went straight to my heart. I especially liked what you wrote about Ephesians 3:20. That’s the second time today that verse has “shown up” in my life. 🙂 I will pray for you.
Jen
regina franklin on September 6, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Dear Jen,
Thank you so much for your prayers. In returning to work full-time and still working alongside my husband in ministry, I’m facing some challenges as far as time goes. My husband and I are asking ourselves frequently as to whether or not we are being deliberate with our time without falling into the trap of needing to be in control.
I count myself blessed to be surrounded not only by the great cloud of witnesses already in eternity but by those around me here as well. May the Lord bless you today with His presence and peace.
Tyla808 on August 24, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Regina, THANK YOU! Such a timely and necessary word…it speaks about time, yet the counsel within it is timeless.
So often it’s the “I know” factor never getting activated to the “I do” or more often than not when it is activated, its not being maintained and perhaps after a while forgotten and so a reminder like this comes along to help re-align us once again.
As a single, full-time working mother of two girls in two very different age groups I find myself having no time to think as I’ve gotten so much into the routine of things in the mornings, what tasks I need to complete at work and winding down at bedtime that I don’t even know where the day went at 11:00pm. Then as “scheduled” I rushed thru my readings, scribble something in my journal and call it a day because I am pooped! Often, by that time I feel guilty and get discouraged because I haven’t taken the time out to spend with God…alone time, quiet time, QT time. Time to think outside of the “box” (which would be my calendar schedule for that day).
Then it starts all over again the next day and the only way I make it thru again is to mentally recant and/or under my breath sputter a few memorized scripture here and there. Constantly reminding myself that I am more than a conqueror, that I can do all things, to leave all my cares with Him because He cares for me, etc. It really does help me get thru the day…and when mommy has to take a time-out herself, the Holy Spirit comes and brings me peace…
but it’s not enough for me. I’m hungry! I want more out of my spiritual life! I’m hungry for more of God…not sure how to “fit it all in” and I want to have a little flexibility and not just make my readings and journal writing a timed slot out of my day, don’t wanna do “drive-thru” prayer times and bathroom break meditations…I understand that God is with me anywhere, everywhere and that any time I can get time to talk with God is a good time…idk, I want more face time…the kinda time and attention my girls want from me…I know God desires that from me too.
Alycia Green on September 1, 2010 at 9:44 am
This is so very true! So many times I have been made to feel guilty and have even felt guilty on my own about how busy I am! I’m a single mother with 6 children (5 biological & 1 adopted) and needless to say I am ‘very busy’.
We attend church on a regular basis and are very active in our church as well as sports and other extra-curricular activities. However, sometimes it feels as though I am not where I would like to be spiritually. I am a very spiritual person and want so much to have an even closer relationship with God, I just need to remind myself often that God is with me and that He and He alone is how I’m able to do all that I do and that because of Him I am who I am today… A blessed mother of 6 beautiful children who I love and they love me back!
tom felten on September 2, 2010 at 8:42 am
Alycia, wow, it sounds like life is full for you! I’m intrigued by your comment that you would like “to have an even closer relationship with God.” Just a thought: A godly mentor (an older, more mature woman in Jesus) could provide some real assistance in attaining your goal. I encourage you to seek out a godly woman in your church who can provide you with regular counsel in growing deeper in your relationship with God. Keep loving those wonderful kids He’s given you!
regina franklin on September 6, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Dear Alycia and Tyla808–I feel your struggle. How do we live well in taking care of the responsibilities placed in our care and still find time to develop our intimacy with the Lord. It’s the ever-present dilemma between being Martha and being Mary.
Let me second Tom’s counsel. I have to make the choice to carve out time with people who will hold me accountable, but in the craziness of life (and my emotions), I’ve found it necessary. Doing so has challenged me to be more constant (notice I didn’t say perfect or driven) in being in the Word and challenged me to seek out counsel from others.
Life can be brutal and I’m realizing it doesn’t stop so we can find time. I have to choose to let something go in order to reach for what’s important. Praying the Lord will bring you both His wisdom in all things. Blessings to you as moms raising up another generation to know Christ!
JL Tan on August 24, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Sometimes in this world we cannot help but have to “strive” to survive. I think the trick is to find the balance between “striving” and “surrendering”. After we have done our part, I guess we just got to surrender and let God take over the rest.
The challenge is to settle within us how much we can do and beyond which we just have to commit to HIm and trust Him…
regina franklin on September 6, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Well said! So good to know I’m not alone in trying to strike that balance.
deb9237 on August 24, 2010 at 9:47 pm
a bus fell down a 50 meter ravine taking down with it a christian couple, leaving their two young daugthers orphan. this happened last august 18, 2010 here in baguio city philippines when bro. albert anthony with his wife sis carlota, was supposed to speak to a local college in san fernando city down the coastal province of la union. what immediately came into our minds was the question “what will happen to the children?”. but God cares! the couple, having no immediate relatives here in the city, our church took charge of everything, and to the point of assuring the family of bro albert in india that the church will serve as guardian of the two orphaned teen-age girls. God provides! yesterday the couple were laid to rest, and we learned last night that a lot of church members and friends pledged and volunteered their homes, resources and even time, to help the orphaned girls. God is so good!
regina franklin on September 6, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Dear deb9327,
Thank you for reminding us all of what’s most important in life–people. Praying God’s continued provision in this situation.