Yesterday at dinner, my son Kedar decided he wanted to talk to me about football players and why they wear “eye black”—the tar colored grease they rub beneath their eyes. Its purpose is to prevent the sunlight and stadium lights’ glare from impairing the athlete’s vision.
My garrulous 8-year-old doesn’t watch football. He’s a diehard Nascar fan and prefers old races on YouTube. But, for some reason, the mood struck him to host a chat fest about the NFL. His dad, who would have been much better suited for this particular topic, was away at a business conference in DC. So I had the privilege of “tackling” the subject matter.
As I’ve mentioned before, whatever pops into Kedar’s head is what he’ll discuss at any given moment. It’s never odd for him to walk into a room and begin firing off a series of questions.
I always enjoy our exchanges, though. He’s a pretty engaging little person.
Well, as we discoursed about eye black, all the Hobbs children were zoned in on our conversation. So we began talking about a guy who repurposed the greasy black substance.
Tim Tebow.
As most everyone knows, the famous Christian athlete began using his eye black as a backdrop for scriptures during his college years. Before the NCAA introduced what was dubbed the “Tebow Rule,” which banned personal messages written in a player’s eye black in 2010, it was Tebow’s special way of witnessing to other people about Jesus Christ.
From there, we dialogued about all the ways God can use us to spread His message and be an example to the world.
As a mom, I love it when God shows me ways to interject Christ’s message of love into general conversations from new, fun, and interesting angles. Talks that start off as mundane and whimsical often become gateways to much deeper, more purposeful lessons.
Our dinner convo was awesome!
I tend to see the Father’s hand at work in simple, everyday moments like these. I know that He’s steering me and helping me along my path to raise children who love the Lord.
But it’s not just parenting goals God helps me reach.
In ministry, business, and life in general, He connects dots, reveals mysteries, and simplifies complexities for me all the time, because I desire to honor Him with my life.
He does the same for all of us who remain yielded to Him.
Whatever our aspirations are, when we aim to please Him above all else, God steps in and creates avenues for us in the most unexpected ways.
He opens opportunities and doors; gives access to knowledge and information; provides resources where we lack them; and manifests supernatural insights and wisdom. When our hearts are pure and our focus is on making His name glorious in the earth, we don’t have to worry about lacking the strength and ability to carry out His will.
My father often says, “When we take care of God’s business, He takes care of ours.” It’s so true.
All we need is a God-honoring heart to properly position us to receive empowerment from on high. If we want to see God’s hand work for us, we must first have a heart to work for Him. Never forget that.
A scripture I dearly love illustrates this lesson so well, so I’m stirring it right into your cup of inspiration. It is found in 2 Chronicles 16:9a NLT and it says, “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup of inspiration, you will be reminded that God gives strength, power, and ability to those with a heart after Him. His favor rests upon individuals who love and obey Him, and seek to serve Him daily.
If that describes you, take comfort. The Lord will give you strength to do everything you must do.
Now let’s pray together.
God thank You for assuring me that as long as I love You and serve You with my whole heart, You will give me the power to do everything You have called me to do. Please help me to rest in You and trust that You have my life, future, and destiny firmly in Your hands. Whenever I feel inclined to lean on my own strength, help me remember that all things are possible only through You. Put me in remembrance of Isaiah 40:29 that tells me, You give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak. Thank You Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
