Generous in grace

I have been writing a lot lately about the wrestling going on within me. Desiring to slow down, to have time for the simple things and yet life and ministry keep coming faster and faster. As I have wrestled I have prayed long and hard and do not feel there are any areas of my life where the Lord is saying, "stop." You know how sometimes you just commit to a million things and stop and realize you didn't even pray first? No wonder you are worn out and taxed, God did not tell you to commit! I have been there before and yet this time is different. Our family is involved in a lot of ministry. Our church (local and district), our family, our friends, our community. I know, with affirmation from the Lord, that the things and people we are investing in is what God desires for us right now. Then why have I still been wrestling? Longing to be simple. To rest. To find an answer...

The answer is: grace. God's grace and strength are all I need. I have been searching. Longing. Pleading. Controlling. We recently came out of a long week of district assembly and campmeeting. While the week was filled with a lot of focused ministry I was also able to soak in the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit and listen to those around me. The Lord kept speaking to me, "it's not about finding rest all the time, it's about relying on my grace." While we obviously need times of rest I have found that this wrestling within me has become a distraction. Throughout this past week the Lord came over me and just said, "Rest in me. My grace is sufficient for you."

While we live our days full of hectic and crazy moments know that God's grace is sufficient for you. It may be feelings of lonliness or feeling so overwhelmed you think you can not go on. His grace is sufficient for you. It may be listening to the whines of your two year old or complaints of your fourteen year old. Stop and hug them...our child are a blessing and God's grace is sufficient to help you as you guide, direct, and parent. 

My commitments and schedule have not changed in the last week but I have peace. The wrestling deep within me is gone because I have settled on God's grace being enough for me. Praise the Lord today for what He has done for us. He died for us to bestow His grace upon us. His strength is perfect!

"But Lord, You are a God full of compassion, generous in grace, slow to anger, and boundless in loyal love and truth. Look at me and grant me Your favor. Invest Your strength in me..."

Psalm 87: 15-16