4/26/06

Encouragement for Today

“Running Out of Stuff”

Marybeth Whalen, Author, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member

Key Verse:

Isaiah 58:11, “The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (NIV)

Devotion:

I have to admit that sometimes I get a little bit grumpy about all that I have to attend to as a mom. My list of jobs never ends as I tackle first one thing, and then another.

I am the hearer of all complaints: “Mo-om, he hit me.” “Mo-om, he said stupid.” “Mo-om, she’s in my room and I don’t want her in here.”

I am the listener to all woes: “Mom, I have a hangnail.” “Mom, I have a growing pain.” “Mom, my tooth is loose and it hurts.” “Mom, I have a splinter.”

I am the locator of all objects: “Mom, have you seen…?” “Mom, where is my…?” (What is really scary is that I can usually tell them exactly where the missing object is, no matter how obscure!)

I am also the replacer of all stuff. From toothpaste to toilet paper, light bulbs to lip balm, I must catalog it, inventory it and replace it before anyone else ever knows it is missing. Groceries, toiletries, school supplies, clothing, and various other sundries all fall under my jurisdiction. Oh sure, my husband helps — but I am the first person they come looking for when they reach for the soap and there is none!

Sometimes this task starts to seem rather daunting, to be honest. There is just too much stuff in my house to keep track of — too many needs to ever fill them all. How can one mere mortal mom do it? This is what I was pondering the other day as my thoughts led to Heaven, where we will never again run out of stuff! Hallelujah!

Then my thoughts turned to the One I lean on to help me be all the things I must be for my family each day. I can always go to Him to help me persevere in my calling. To help me keep my wits about me so that I can keep track of all the stuff I have to keep track of. To give me grace when I drop one of the many plates I must keep spinning. My Heavenly Father, you see, never runs out of the most important stuff. Stuff like:

Grace: Hebrews 4:16

Mercy: Ephesians 2:4

Love: 1 John 4:16

Patience: 2 Peter 3:9

Resources: Philippians 4:19

Hope: Romans 15:13

Peace: Psalms 29:11

Forgiveness: Daniel 9:9

Time: Psalms 31:15

When I get frustrated about my lack of all of these things, I can turn to God — Who never runs out. He supplies all my needs and sustains me with His love and encouragement. More than that, He fills me with joy in the process. How thankful I am that God never runs out of the stuff that keeps me going!

My Prayer for Today:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for supplying everything I need. Help me to remember to call out to You when I run out of the stuff I need most. Please breathe new life into my tired body and give me the strength to be all that You have called me to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application Steps:

Look up the verses referenced in the list included in the devotion. Which verse speaks to you personally? Can you think of other “stuff” that God provides for you?

What is burdening you today? Write down what you need most in your life. Remember to ask God to supply your needs each day according to the challenges you are facing.

Reflection Points:

What do you need most from God today?

Have you prayed and asked Him to give you what you need?

Do you believe He will do it?

Power Verses:

Psalm 57:1, “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in You my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (NIV)

Psalm 27:7-8, “Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of You, ‘Seek His face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.” (NIV)