6:38am
I have been stretched beyond my own abilities the past few years. I guess it started back in college …
Satan continually told me I wasn’t smart enough to go to college. I remember when I graduated with honors I was still shocked. I remember thinking, “Wow, I can’t believe I did it.”
Then life pressed on and I was promoted in my job to a leadership position that I never wanted! I was really happy just doing my own thing and being responsible for myself.
Another moment was when I was asked to hold the role of prayer coordinator at our local church. I remember it taking my breath when I was approached. Again, insecurity of my abilities, but I guess also a lack of faith that God would/could use me.
The past year really pushed me out of any comfort box I had built around myself. Caring for my parents, attempting to handle their finances, and make sound financial decisions. Still, here I am trying to make wise choices.
Yes, God has a way of stretching us BEYOND anything we “think” we can do. <— Tweet This.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
6:43am
Today is 5-Minute Friday. The goal is to write for 5 minutes without planning or critiquing. Lisa Jo provides the prompt and we write to see what flows out. Today’s prompt was BEYOND.
Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]— Amplified version.
Would you like to join the fun? Just click on Lisa Jo’s button below:
(Photo and last scripture added after 5 minutes.)
Yes! It’s in exactly those situations, those transitions, those surprises that we realize our true giftedness and all that we are in Him!
Stretching always seems to have a little pain associated with it… but in the end, the stretch is well worth it. When I’ve found myself beyond what I felt I could handle I remember my Grandmother’s words. “If you don’t think you can handle it, give it back to God. If He hands it back to you it is only because He knows you are stronger than you think you are.” Thanks for sharing, Beth. I can certainly sympathize with your struggle. 🙂
It is hard to step out of our comfort zones. But when we are walking with the Lord, He will make sure we are depending on Him and not ourselves. Loved your enough post Beth!
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Thanks for going beyond yourself to share this. You inspired me to write on the topic and join the link up, though I confess, it took longer than 5 minutes to go Beyond…:-)
http://thoughtsfromadaughteroftheking.blogspot.com/2012/07/beyond-home.html
~Blessings
My friend, you did a beautiful job.
Beth, you’re so right…the words we think and use are, ultimately, the way we live our lives. God has stretched both of us this past year plus. Me, I’d rather have stayed small but. But.
A new journey has begun; may He bless you and keep you and hold you in His righteous hand of mercy and grace all the days of your life.
God always equips those He calls. You have brought Him so much honor through your gifts. Praying you have a beautiful weekend.