Yesterday, my daughters and I spent some time organizing their bedroom. Kaiah and Kyla, age 9 and 11 respectively, do a pretty good job with the upkeep of their room. But when it comes down to giving their little space that deep cleaning, that's where Momma comes in.
I always tell them, "There's clean... and then, there's my kind of clean." I like things orderly. So, we organized everything, threw away what was no longer useful and even washed walls. I try to teach them how to do a good job tidying things up, so when they're older, they'll understand how to keep a clean house.
Although I put the girls to work, I'm by no means a "taskmaster." I didn't leave them alone; we worked together. I know they're strong, able-bodied children; but I also know their limitations. So, as not to overburden them with work, I shouldered some of that responsibility on their behalf. Plus, I made sure to give them clear directives. That way, they weren't roaming around aimlessly, with no clue about what to do next.
Of course I wasn't going to do everything for them; otherwise, how would they ever learn true responsibility?
This same perspective applies to our walk with the Lord. If He did everything for us, how would we learn, develop and grow?
You see, the Lord molds, strengthens, matures, and builds us up through our life's circumstances. He allows us to get into situations that we have to work our way out of, not to torture us, but to empower us to operate in knowledge and wisdom borne out of struggle.
I know that when it comes to getting our lives in order, this process isn't always easy, fun, or pleasant... particularly when things have gotten way out of whack. If you've ever organized clutter, you know how frustrating and intimidating it can be trying to figure out where in the world to begin.
But I'm so glad God knows us through and through. He understands how much we can handle. And He's compassionate enough to lift the load and give clear directives, so we're not wandering through life aimlessly.
Know this. You're not working alone, even when the way is dark; the test is trying; and the road up ahead looks bleak.
Perhaps you're confronting something today that requires lots of work to get it in order. If so, don't fret or faint; this is the part where God, your very present help in trouble, steps in and gives you the assistance you need.
Because He understands our capacity, He won't put anymore on us than we're able to bear. And when it seems like we've had all we can take and we're too weak and weary to go on, remember that, His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
www.EmpoweringEverydayWomen.com
