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I recently started reading/listening to a book from the Missouri River Regional Library (if you’re in central Missouri, don’t forget about the amazing resource we have at our disposal) called “You’re the Girl for the Job” by Jess Connolly.
She has already given me plenty to think about.
Specifically, she has got me thinking about planting seeds.
Sometimes, I really struggle to separate myself from the work I’m doing in the name of Jesus.
It should NOT be for my glorification, but His.
God gave us spiritual gifts to use in our journey to Him and bringing others to Him.
No matter how well I understand this truth, I still struggle to not become prideful of the gifts the Lord has given me.
Sunday mornings, after a great musical worship service, I might receive a compliment like, “Great music this morning!”
Compliments are affirming and make me feel good for the work I did, but then I begin to feel guilty for taking credit for something God gave me only for His glory.
Do you see how crazy this thought process is?
I’m getting so caught up in the seeds I’m planting and how to plant them, or whether or not to plant the seed in the first place, that I’m missing the point!
God will and CAN grow the plant whether or not I put a seed in the ground.
He has power over all the animals of the earth - he could send in a sparrow to drop the seed. He could send a traveller through to drop a seed off the path. He could send a wind stronger than I could ever imagine that could blow seeds from a different country to plant in the perfect soil.
But wouldn’t it be great to be the person who planted that seed?
Wouldn’t it be so wonderful to be God’s first choice to assist with His plan?
I’m working on growing my discipline muscle. By that I mean, I’m learning to simply plant anyway. Water anyway. Till, weed, fertilize, prune anyway. If God intends for a plant to grow, it will!
Adversely, if He doesn’t, it won’t.
What’s worse, I like to argue with God about what I’m capable of! Does that remind you of anyone?
Yep, our boy, Moses.
In the book, Jess talks about how Moses argued with God about how he wasn’t a good speaker, he killed a man, he was too old, had a stutter or didn’t speak well, etc. But from those humble beginnings, he became one of the most important, beloved, and successful leaders of the Israelite people, even buried by God, Himself.
Moses wasn’t perfect by any means. But for the most part, he was faithful and devoted to God’s plan for his life.
“But Moses pleaded with the Lord , “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.’”
What are your excuses or arguments against God? I’m ashamed to say I have many, but here are a few:
I’m too busy
I’m “just” a mom
I’m not good enough
I’m not popular enough
I don’t have enough money
I’m too old
I mess everything up
And the list goes on and on.
But God didn’t ask me what I can do or how to do it. He just said, “DO IT.”
All of that being said, I am realizing that I am the person God made for a specific purpose and I may never fully know that purpose. I believe if I keep holding myself to a standard of doing work that glorifies God, I will eventually find for what God has created me.
I’m also starting to realize that by talking to myself that way and to believe the fearful lies that I’m NOT the girl for the job, even though God created me exactly as I am, I’m believing that God isn’t a perfect creator. AND THAT is crazy.
To be clear - No, I’m not perfect. My creator is perfect. As His creation, I am exactly who I need to be to fulfill His plan for my life.
If you’re looking for God and feel like you’re strangers passing in the night, if you’re looking for your purpose, if you are an overthinker like me, hold firm and continue to plant the seeds. Once we see those plants start to grow, we’ll be in awe of how God used us to cultivate the most beautiful garden!
Now get out there and DO THE ORDAINED THING. #Amen