Yesterday I had the perfect opportunity to enjoy my Refuel playlist of 9 songs that sing God’s love right into my heart. I had to make a drive to rendezvous with a vehicle full of young men traveling to Texas from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. By the time I made it to our meeting place, I felt incredible. I was awake with God’s love and ready to face the day. I was also pretty happy to see my 19-year-old son and be bringing him home for Christmas.
The drive home gave us some rare one-on-one time to catch up. I learned that he is doing fantastic in school. He told me what he’s doing to prepare for the coming year. We talked briefly about some of the things he may need to do – to be willing to sacrifice – to realize some of his dreams. It was an easy conversation. It nearly always is with him and I am so grateful for the easy, albeit early, morning.
The day got a little crazy from there. My agenda was already full and as it progressed more than a few unexpected requests threatened to knock me right off my God high. I bet you know the feeling.
What I’d like to share today is a little tool for keeping that feeling; for keeping the Lord front and center, even when life tries to knock Him out of our field of view.
So, here’s the deal for Day 8 in our countdown. It’s getting hectic. The to-do list is longer than is probably reasonable. We’re not getting enough sleep and the looming family time may be starting to stress us out.
It’s okay. We’re not in this alone. Matthew 19:26 reminds us.
“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
It’s so easy to forget this. It’s so easy to buy into the lie that somehow we are expected to get through this life on our own. That is exactly what we are NOT TO DO. God is with us. Right here. Right now, He is with YOU. And he would love nothing more than to lend you His mighty power; His unfathomable patience; His unending grace.
So, today, as we finish the uphill climb toward the end of this week before Christmas, let’s determine not to forget that our strength comes from God.
I have a little assignment for you. This may feel weird but it’s okay. Do it anyway….you’ll thank God later (after all, this is His idea, not mine).
Read the following slowly to yourself and let the truth sink in.
1. “but with God all things are possible”
2. “but with God all things are possible”
3. “but with God all things are possible”
4. “but with God all things are possible”
5. “but with God all things are possible”
6. “but with God all things are possible”
7. “but with God all things are possible”
8. “but WITH God ALL things are possible”
Today, and in the days ahead, you can be your best self. You can be as patient as you need to be. You can be less judging. You can do more, love more, smile more and be joyful more….because with God, no matter how challenging or stressful this life is…all things are possible. Use this tiny bit of scripture today and in the days ahead. When you feel the tension coming and are sure you just can do whatever it is that’s before you, simply say it.
“But with God all things are possible.”
And it will be.
Love and peace be with you, always!