What do you have....What you do have....
Added 2023-04-03 11:00:01 +0000 UTCGood morning!
As the good Lord took time away regularly from His routine, so too I believe we need that same rest. Actually, it was His routine to incorporate that into His life. What a perfect role model.
But, sometimes we take time away to relax and it ends up being binge watching shows, scrolling endlessly through TikTok or getting lost in some mind-numbing time sucker. At some point we know when what we are doing is feeding us or draining us….even in our rest!
As I took time off recently, I noticed a crazy combination of all of the above. I would sometimes get into a solitude mode that fed me. Sometimes I would decide to explore the world of TikTok and see what the hype is all about (not worth it!) and sometimes I just was plain lazy.
I know. I know. People who know me say I’m never lazy or that I deserve the break. The truth is, we all need to veg out and be lazy at times. But…..it can also start to feel less relaxing the longer we stay in that mode. At least that is for me.
My time away began for multiple reasons. Many know of my jaw pain which continues. A few know about my husband’s health issue (he is gradually doing better). As time continued, more things cropped up including home issues.
It got to a point where I had a mental list of all the problems. That isn’t good. There is no good that comes from keeping inventory of woes. LOL. As I came to that realization, I thought, what about my inventory of wonders?
And that’s when something clicked. I have crossed over into Victim Mentality. Oh dear.
So, it occurred to me once again (remember, I am the 9 times girl - repetition, repetition!) that there will always be a plethora of problems but there will always be more than a plethora of God’s provisions. As Pastor Jim calls them “God Opportunities.”
Stepping back into On Fire Fit in the middle of things not being settled wasn’t what I had planned. But I don't want to waste time. God’s Kingdom is at hand. All He wants from us is what we already have to give.
“How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied……….
And He took what they DID have and multiplied it to feed over 4,000 people. What do you have to give? It is multiplied in the Lord’s hands.
My jaw may not produce much talk, but He can use the words I do have and multiply the benefit.
My life may feel out of control at many points, but in His hands, I am completely taken care of.
You don’t have to wait for life to get to a certain point to be able to use the gifts He already gave you. Make an inventory of wonders….and trust God to do more than you could ask or imagine.
Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.
Ephesians 3:20 TPT
Comments
haha you always have the best way of phrasing things, Maurice!
Jennifer
2023-04-04 21:22:47 +0000 UTCI appreciate you Canal Sluggers.
Maurice
2023-04-04 11:57:21 +0000 UTCYou’ll get there, Maurice. Just lean into God and turn it over to Him.
Canal Sluggers
2023-04-03 22:53:28 +0000 UTCI need to set aside time to conduct an inventory. And yes, I started to feel victim mentality as well. Well thank you for your transparency. If you wade through your woes, I should be able to as well.
Maurice
2023-04-03 22:26:46 +0000 UTCThank you so much for this. I am with you on this. God resets me and reminds me of who I am and who He is and then all is right in the world again! :) Thank you for commenting
Jennifer
2023-04-03 22:15:08 +0000 UTCYES! It is so weird how we can get sucked into things that drain or upset us and still we can't look away lol. It is nice when you can recognize it and change it
Jennifer
2023-04-03 22:14:16 +0000 UTCWow this is spot on. Mindless scrolling on social media, and watching tv which is not bad if done in moderation, but being able to turn off the tv and put down the phone not only to spend time with God, but also stop looking at or reading things that emotionally drain us, or gets us upset, I know we/I would have a better mindset and stronger spirit. Good word! Thanks Jennie!
yourwright
2023-04-03 15:12:54 +0000 UTCThis is a good message, and what I need to hear. I know myself, am my own worse critic. I always want to be able to relax as I always work a lot, but when I relax, my mind begins to fill with things that I should be doing, or some project I want to approach when the “time is right”. I ask god for stillness, and to be present in the now. Which I do on a daily, and a simplicity of calmness washes over me. I will admit, that alone doesn’t really fix the things that I need to do, think about, and overcome. God resets me and allows me with the mindset and fortitude I need in order to deal with the way my mind can be at those times. Thank you Jennie for such the wonderful message 🙏🏾
Charles
2023-04-03 14:05:53 +0000 UTCIt is a conscious decision that changes so much! Thank you for commenting
Jennifer
2023-04-03 12:57:19 +0000 UTCThank you so much for sharing this!
Jennifer
2023-04-03 12:56:52 +0000 UTCI agree! I’m happy to hear that I’m not alone in this! And I’m glad you’re feeling better.
Jennifer
2023-04-03 12:56:34 +0000 UTCI think most Christians live a powerless existence. If more people believed this, imagine!!
Jennifer
2023-04-03 12:56:04 +0000 UTCI was down with an extended bout of bronchitis. I felt lethargic and tired. Although I fell into some mindless wandering time, I was kind to myself and extended grace to myself… I didn’t beat up on myself. I kept praying and relaxed in Jesus’ presence. Now that I’m feeling better, I am trying to focus on being more productive and being grateful for what I have. I am happy to see the responses from others on here. It is reassuring to know that we all have our struggles and we can count our blessings and move forward with God’s grace and help.
Canal Sluggers
2023-04-03 12:03:13 +0000 UTCJoh 14:12 “I tell you this timeless truth: The person who follows me in faith, believing in me, will do the same mighty miracles that I do—even greater miracles than these because I go to be with my Father! Joh 14:13 For I will do whatever you ask me to do when you ask me in my name. And that is how the Son will show what the Father is really like and bring glory to him. Joh 14:14 Ask me anything in my name, and I will do it for you!” This is where our focus should always be. But we are human and get distracted. Thank you Sis for pointing us back to the truth.
Jimjam the truth man
2023-04-03 11:38:37 +0000 UTCGood morning 🌞 Jennie ,may god bless you ,the way you just touched my heart with Your message just what I needed to hear ,I too ,gone through so many changes and setbacks ,and loose , I myself try to stay out of the victim mentality and i started to do that very same thing start focusing more on the good ,having a humble grateful heart ,even with fears being present trying to have the courage to embark into a new direction ,ive been praying for gods spiritual love and guidance so thank you ,may god bless you
Rodney
2023-04-03 11:19:04 +0000 UTC
