Last week, I took some time off to clean up my house. Not just a regular cleaning. More like Mari Kondo – declutter, reorganize, vacuum under my dresser kind of stuff.
I’m one of those weird people who find it therapeutic. My husband and friends agree that I’m weird but think I should get real therapy.
I will admit though that this kind of project can get overwhelming. I try to do this every year and every time, I hit a breaking point. I just stare at the mess in front of me and wonder why I thought this was a good idea to begin with.
I’ve realized that I think that about a lot of things. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you feel like something is beyond what you are capable of doing.
You may have heard the story of Gideon in the Bible. He’s famous for taking down an opposing army with just 300 men. But before the takedown, there was a bit of a breakdown.
Gideon had lots of reasons why he thought he was not the man for the job. His family was weak and so was he. But God didn’t change His plan or the man.
“The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this strength of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?”” (Judges 6:14 AMP)
There were just 2 things Gideon needed to know: who you are + who I AM is enough. I think God is telling us the same thing.
You may not be fighting the Midianite army but you are dealing with a mound of dishes and laundry. Your to-do list never seems to get done. Your marriage isn’t where you want it to be. Your kids have traded in their terrible twos for their not-so-terrific teens. It can feel overwhelming.
It’s easy to forget in the everydayness of life that God has strategically placed you where you are. Your family, workplace, church, neighborhood – it is all a part of your assignment from Him.
Has He not sent you? Go in the strength that you have. One dish or one tantrum at a time.
Who you are + Who He is…that’s enough.
~Anu
“You have what it takes
Your heart’s a river wide
Not by power, not by might
But the Spirit of God
He’s living inside you
And you have all you need
And you need only to believe
That when Jesus fights for you
Nothing can stop you or stand in your way
‘Cause you have what it takes”*
*Lyrics from “You Have What It Takes” by Christy Nockels
Photo by lucas wesney on Unsplash
