Devotions

I Got A Feeling…

Did you ever have that feeling?

You know the one, that lays heavy on your chest and deep in the pit of your stomach? 
The one you feel after you hear that voice that says you are not quite good enough for the rest of the world?
The voice that says what could you possibly have anything to offer? 
Or that anyone could possibly hear anything you have to say?
That feeling that renders you powerless, that almost paralyzes you?

I know that I do. On more days than I would like to admit, and probably on more than anyone would ever believe.

But here is the truth.
I am powerless.

Wait, what?

Now, that probably does not sound encouraging, but believe it or not it is liberating.
I am not in control, God is. 
But the minute I start making it about me and what I can do,
I neglect to honor the One who has not only given me life, but also what it is that I offer to the world.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
It does not say I can do all things…..
But don’t we think that sometimes? 
That notion that I should be able to do that? 
And when I can’t or don’t, I feel like I don’t measure up. 
I feel guilty, ashamed, not worthy.
It is not about me….it is about Christ in me.

I begin to compare myself with others whose special or unique qualities make them appear more desirable, more worthy. They know more, they do more, they are liked more. But the truth is that none of us are worthy. 
And yet the God of the universe loves us and calls us HIs own. 
God tells us in Psalm 139 :14 :
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Your works are wonderful.
I know that full well.”

Who can argue with that?

Me.
I argue with that everyday.

Because in truth, God’s love does not make sense.
When I am yelling at my kids, or judging someone else, or am completely going against what I know is God’s will, how could He possibly love that? 
So I argue…and feel a little sorry for myself.
And I am sure that Satan is somewhere doing a happy dance, because in that brief moment it appears he has won.

But sisters, that is why is necessary, even vital, to sit and spend time with Father God. 
To be still and hear His truth and not believe the lies.
God speaks, but know that Satan whispers, too.
In our busyness, in our self doubt, in our comparing, sometimes Satan appears louder than God. 
His whispers are almost deafening.

But not God’s….God’s voice my friend is calming, reassuring, loving.
When we are still and grounded in His truth, we know the difference.
We can distinguish between the truth and the lies.

When we keep our focus on Him, we know it was never about us being good enough for the world, but being loved by Him regardless of our flaws and human nature.

When we spend time in His presence, we recognize that any good gift we have to offer comes from Him.

And it is not our words that the world needs to hear, but His words through us.

How do you allow God to speak to you and through you?