“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect.
No, I worked harder than all of them — yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me”(1 Corinthians 15:10).
If you want to see yourself clearly, attempt something great. I’m in the process of writing a book. I never dreamed in a million years that I would write a book. In fact, once I truly surrendered my life to Christ, I’ve had dreams come true that I didn’t even know I had. Most of them have been God-sized tasks. I’ve learned that when I feel called to do something larger than myslef, it’s a God assignment that requires God-sized grace and power.
Even though I know in my mind it’s a God-sized task, I try and attempt the project on my own strength. Ugh! This gets me nowhere. When I fall short, I get discouraged. I say things to myself like, “I knew I couldn’t do this. Or, I’m not good enough or smart enough to take on such a task.” The truth is, I’m not able to accomplish a God-sized project on my own. God never intended me to do so. At the same time, He doesn’t want me to fret over it. He doesn’t want me to become discouraged and give up. No. He wants me to trust Him and allow His power to work through me to accomplish all He’s called me to do.
That’s why I love the opening verse. It’s only by God’s grace that I can do anything! Even though, like Paul, it’s my responsibility to work hard and finish well the task God puts before me, I still need His power and grace to do so.
The truth is you and I came into this world poor and with nothing. God endowed us with gifts, abilities, personalities, creativity and intelligence. Without these gifts, we are nothing and can do nothing. Therefore, our only success lies in a God who is everything–everything and anything we need. If God were to withhold his power, love, and grace, we would shrivel up into nothing. Without Him any attempt we make on our own is insufficient compared to His greatness. Why then do we struggle on our own? Why do we not cry out to Him and ask for His help to raise our children, to be the kind of wife our husband needs, and to do our job–our God assigned job? When I asked God this question, He had a one word reply. “Doubt.”
Today, I have seen my failure to trust God, and I have seen my deep need for Him to simply live as He intends. I think I’ll go and spend some time confessing my doubt, meditating on His greatness, and asking for a fresh filling of His power and grace. For nothing is impossible with God…not even writing a book.
Rachel says
Hi Micca. Thanks for your post. It is always so God to be reminded that God’s grace is sufficent and that He longs to equip us for the things He calls us to do for Him. Happy writing!
Charlene Kidd says
Micca, thanks for the great wisdom reminder today. I am facing some tasks that seem really big, and I appreciate the reminder to trust in God. After all, He is the one who has to accomplish those tasks. I am praying for your writing.
Charlene
Mariel says
wow…thanks, you are absolutely right! Amen! All I need is to trust Jesus to be enough…He already is, isn’t He?! I, too, am moving forward with a God-given minstry that I am WAY under qualified for! But praise HIM! He is OVER qualified! I look forward to reading what the Lord is laying on your heart as you write your first book!!
Blessings, Mariel
growingingodliness.blogspot.com
Angela @ Refresh My Soul Blog says
Oh Micca. That is so true. God is teaching me so much about grace these days. This is just another part of that. Lifting a prayer for you and the book. God will give you all you need just keep your eyes on Him girl! You can do all things through Him.
Blessings and much love,
Angela
Digging for Pearls says
I can’t wait to read your book Micca! 🙂 Thanks for the reminder to continually tap into our power source and reason for living – JESUS!
Laura says
My dear, you have an amazing gift of tendering a person’s heart to Jesus. I have to say that it comes through in everything you write! I told Van (I was in her speaker’s group at the last SheSpeaks) that when I see her name or yours on the daily devotional, I know that I am in for a sweet moment with Jesus. I’m here to build you up, sister! God is with you, and He has given you the tools you need to succeed at this task. There is a purpose behind this book you are writing! You have already blessed so many women by sharing your testimony and your stories. I can’t wait to see the finished product!