Is it only the “big” battles that belong to God?
Do I call on Him when my strength is spent? When I hit rock bottom? When I come to the end of myself? When everything else fails?
No, I need Him first, everyday, and in everything.
See, I was raised to be independent.
I am the second-born child but first girl in my family. At age 10, I was expected to know how to cook and clean, and contribute instead of being a burden. It was my responsibility to help care for my siblings. I had to make their breakfast, wash and iron their clothing, and do my sister’s hair. I had to watch out for them and even discipline them at times. This is the norm in many cultures including the one in which I grew up in Grenada.
I yearned independence, in the sense of freedom, very early on. I grew to rely on myself and did not expect help from others. Probably as a result of this, I am still learning to be dependent on God. There are so many situations in which I instinctively react with trying to save myself not realizing that I am already safe in Him.
He is so faithful to reveal these hidden things and bring freedom.
He is so faithful to provide trials to practice calling on Him.
Last week, I slipped and fell on the stairs and my immediate thought was “I need to talk with my husband about removing this carpet”. Solution found. Problem fixed. Threat to safety removed.
Then, I had a “tsunami dream” – a common occurrence when feeling overwhelmed. The plot is always the same but with changing locations. I am aware of a tsunami coming and so I’m rushing to get to higher ground. I always make it just in time.
In this recent dream, however, as I’m climbing the stairs to get to the roof of the building, I realize that the water level is much higher than the building. I don’t know how to swim but I would try. However, my strength certainly wouldn’t last and I knew I would die. The words that echoed in my mind at this point in the dream was this – “you cannot save yourself”. I woke feeling surprised that I never once called out to God for help.
The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise. Yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob; but you have been weary of me, O Israel!
Isaiah 43:20-22
It was a sobering heart check for sure. Seeking Him on this, I was led me to a passage in 2 Chronicles 20 which tells the story of God’s deliverance of His people during the rule of King Jehoshaphat over Judah. I will have to share my takeaways in a separate post. But, in summary, it is a reminder of the humility of God’s people to seek the help that only He can provide, and His might and power to save.
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
2 Chronicles 20:12
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior.”
Isaiah 43:10-11
Process and products used:
These pages in the 100 Days of Bible Promises by Shanna Noel features the following products by Creative Worship Stamps. These are affiliate links, please see the Privacy Policy for details.
- Funky Stone Stencil
- Texture Tiles 13 Stamp Set
- Vintage Ledger Page stamp
- He Proved His Love stamp set
- Skinny Caps Alpha stamp set
I, once again, took inspiration from the art already on the pages of this devotional book. I used the Funky Stone Stencil, and a stamp from Texture Tiles 13, in the areas of the pages that had art marks. Then, I used a white gel pen to add marks over the ink to echo the page’s design.
Next, I stamped “new life”, “paid in full” and “Jesus is Christ” in black ink using the He Proved His Love set. Then, I stamped the title using Skinny Caps Alpha. I created a journaling spot using the Vintage Ledger Page stamp and added a prayer. I finished with highlighting the text and adding some notes.
Be encouraged
🎶 God Be The Glory ~ We Are Messengers, KB
I came to faith in Christ in my thirties. And, it was during a time of great stress and being completely exhausted at doing this life on my own. So, I am thankful for this lesson on greater dependence on God.
I am also comforted by the reminders of His grace to give.
He gives us so much more than we deserve. More than what we’ve earned. More than we ask or can imagine. Strength, joy, hope, satisfaction, security, freedom, eternal life with Him – only in Christ.
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
John 10:28
