With that ordinary tool...

  In our lives, we move through times where life might be too much to handle; however, the question is how do we act in those times? Do we turn to sin by getting angry with our circumstances or do we respond in joy and thank God for the mess? You see, we are equipped with the tools in which to turn this trying time around. Praise the Lord!

  In the book of Exodus, Moses doubted his ability to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He gave God every excuse under the sun as to why he wasn't qualified for such task, but God did not waver.

Instead the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" Moses replied, "A staff" (Exodus 4:2) 

  Now, you might wonder what the big deal is with this staff, but what was Moses? A shepherd! What do shepherds use to corral and lead sheep...a staff! It was this ordinary tool that God used to do extraordinary things. As we continue to seek His wisdom, our eyes begin to open and our hearts are softened to the ways of the Lord so that we can discern our decisions more carefully. Having doubt in our ability to move out of our own way to allow for God's work to be done, is only hindering the blessings that God has for ourselves and those around us. Each of us has been gifted with the Holy Spirit at the time of our salvation, in this we are given the ability to discern our reactions to circumstances that would normally lead us down a path of destruction. Align yourself with God!

So, I ask you... 

• Where are you aligned? 
• Where does your allegiance lie?

  Do you find yourself aligned to the Lord when life's trials come knocking at your door? Whether you hit the snooze one too many times, leaving you with little to no time for a hot shower, lack of caffeine, uncooperative children, racing them to school before the first bell rings, on and on...know that when our allegiance lies with our Father in Heaven, there is no reason to worry about our abilities or lack there of.

  What is in your hands? Remember, that you too have been given a 'staff'! It is our place to seek his word, ask him: 

"Lord, open my eyes to see what you have equipped me with. Show me where I am called to be faithful."

  Pray this and take the time to listen for his answer, the Lord will show you what it is that he has entrusted you with to carry out his extraordinary plan. 

 You may be called to be faithful in your home, as the mother of young children you are equipped with the wisdom, guidance to raise children of God.

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy 11:19)

  Perhaps you are called to be faithful in your relationships, as a cultivator you are equipped with the social bug as you meet new people often and have a genuine love for those you meet. 

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with -- even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently. (Romans 14:1)

  In your marriage, you seek a deeper relationship with your spouse and are equipped with the respect for this sacred covenant.

For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (1 Peter 3:5-7)

  Are you comparing yourself to others or waiting for 'that' opportunity to present itself? Don't! As we compare ourselves to others, our eyes are overshadowed with what God has blessed us with. We are unable to give thanks and appreciate where we are at this time. The same can happen when we wait for 'that' opportunity to drop in our lap. Some wait a lifetime for that one opportunity without ever seeing their true worth in Christ Jesus.

  In Matthew 25, we are shown the great parable of the ten virgins (five wise vs five foolish) who took their lamps to meet the bridegroom. The wise ones not only took their lamps, but packed jars of oil on their journey; whereas, the foolish ones only took their lamps. As the night drew on, the virgins fell asleep while waiting for the bridegroom. They were notified of the bridegrooms arrival, at which time the foolish ones realized their lamps were going out. They asked the wise ones to share their oil, they did not. Instead, the wise ones told them to go to the market and buy some. As the foolish ones went to buy more oil, the time came for the wise ones went to enter the wedding banquet. 

Upon the return of the foolish ones, they asked to come in and the Lord said to them 'truly I tell you, I don't know you.' Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.' (Matthew 25:12-13)

  It is unfortunate that their unpreparedness caused the five foolish ones to miss out on the bridegroom. When the time came to meet the bridegroom, they were more concerned with their circumstance than what a blessing it was to be in the presence of the bridegroom. If we are not careful, we too can miss out on the blessings right in front of us because we are consumed with our circumstances. Take heart that even Christ Jesus faced trials in his life on Earth, it was he who paid the ultimate price as he died on the cross for the sins of the world. Jesus knew his purpose on this Earth was to spread the Word of God and to disciple his people, he did so with such love and compassion - something we need to remember in our daily routine! It's so easy to get caught up in the mess of our daily life that we forget to give thanks for the day itself...let us be people of thanksgiving, delighting in the blessings of the Lord just as he delights in us as his children!!