You can do hard things

Hey everyone! I was planning on posting another simple tip for organizing today but God convicted me to talk about something else instead. Last night, as I was doing the devotional with the kids, I was really convicted by the simple message of Philippians 4:13 that reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Btw, Jimmy and I do a devotional called, Jesus Calling: 365 Devotionals with Kids. I like that it’s simple, short (kids attention spans aren’t long) and easy to understand. The age recommendation is 8-12 but I think it works for younger kids too. 

The past couple of weeks have been mentally and physically exhausting for me. I’m convinced that the terrible 2s is from the devil. There is just no rationalizing with a toddler. Ya feel me toddler moms? 

After 3 kids you’d think I was a pro right? HA! #iwish  If anything, I need more of God’s wisdom and mercy every day. The longer I’ve been a mom, the more I discover how much easier it is to see my sin for what it is. Ironically, at times I can relate to my toddler’s tantrums. I imagine my rebellion against God is just as defiant but with a little more physical reservation that only acts as a facade to my inner heart.

As a parent, you face different challenges as you enter into new seasons of their lives. All 3 of my kids are different and this means the way I speak, love and discipline them is different too. I had no idea of this until I had kids. Just like we as adults have our own love languages and feel loved in a specific way, kids are exactly the same way. Sometimes, I just want to be a lazy parent!

After the kids went to bed, I spent some time doing my own devo from John Piper and it spoke into my heart too. I’m thinking God really had a lot to say to me last night. Here’s a little snippet of the devo. 

Isaiah 64:4 states that, “God works for those who wait for him.” Piper states this means we are bankrupt and we need a bailout. We are weak and need someone strong. We are endangered and need a protector. We are foolish and need someone wise. We are lost and in need of a rescuer. “God works for me” means we can’t do the work. And this glorifies him and not me. We can be freed from the burden of bearing our own load. Psalm 55:22 tells us to, “cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you. We can let him do the work. 

I think I’ve been more physically and mentally exhausted because I’ve been relying on my own strength and wisdom every day. You can only last so long until you are wiped out and feel defeated. One of my friends shared last week how we can easily just eat off of the crumbs off the table of God and we can survive but in actuality, we need the feast he places before us. Isn’t that so true? I’ve tried decompressing by organizing or baking but really, I’ve needed more quality time with Jesus. There’s no substitute for it.

Last week, I met with a group of sisters where many of us shared our struggles openly and vulnerably. It got me thinking that we are all dealing with hard things in one way or another. There are seasons where life is smoother and at other times when it’s just feels like we are barely getting by. We get tested and we reveal where our foundation lies. Like the parable of the wise and foolish builders, is our foundation built on solid rock or is it built on sand? Will the rain and winds wipe our houses down or will we stand strong and withstand inevitable earthly trials?

The eyes of the Lord run through the earth, to show himself strong for those who trust him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

Whatever your circumstance, turn to him. He is capable and willing to carry your burden. You weren’t meant to do it alone. The world tells us we are self sufficient and should be able to do it on our own. Christ has already given us victory. Let’s claim it for our lives and hold onto that truth. You can do hard things. He makes it possible.

 <><yuni

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Psalm 127:1