Well, hello there. Me again. It’s been a while, I know.

Life has kind of gotten away from me lately. I’ve not made much time for writing over the past few months, despite many great intentions.

So, guess what’s on my heart today?

Failure.

Not much of a Thanksgiving theme. But hang with me and I’ll get to the thanksgiving part.

We all wear a variety of different “hats.” Mine are labeled wife, mommy, friend, sister, daughter, church member, writer, homeschool instructor, cook, housekeeper, menu planner…It’s pretty crazy, trying to keep all those hats on at one time. So, I guess it’s normal to feel like a failure from time to time.

Failure

But sometimes those feelings get overwhelming, at least they do for me. I can throw a really good pity party. I’m sure the devil loves when I do that. He pitches in his own accusations, along with my feelings of condemnation. It’s a miserable place to be.

I hit one of those places last week.

But thank God, He didn’t leave me there. With overwhelming grace, He reminded me of the following verses:

“He who began a good work in you [and in my loved ones] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

“…My Word… will not return to Me empty without accomplishing what I desire and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

“For it is God who is working in you [and in my family], enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

Failure

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

How beautiful is His Word – just what I needed in those moments. Like a balm to my weary soul. Like a new set of glasses giving me the bigger picture.

Along with those verses, God reminded me that:

• This Christian life, our ministry within our families, our interactions with those around us…it’s all His work. We are tools in His hand – loving, serving, teaching, praying, pouring out our lives for one another. But the results are up to Him. He is the heart-changer and the miracle-worker.
• He enables us to live out our callings, yet He doesn’t condemn when we fall short. He understands our weakness, and is ever so patient. In fact, He’s not planning on us being perfect until we get to heaven. Growing, changing, becoming more like Jesus – yes. But perfect – not yet. Oh, how that knowledge comforts my heart!
• He gives us each other. Sometimes I think we underestimate the importance, the sheer necessity, of the Body of Christ. During recent “down” days, God brought along sisters to encourage me. They listened as I poured out my heart. They spoke truth to my soul. One of them even brought me chocolate (always a bonus). They lifted this weary traveler back to her feet and put my eyes back on Jesus.

How much, how very much, we have to be thankful for! Sometimes we just need to remind our souls of the truth.

What kind of season are in, fellow Jesus lover?

Are things going well, your heart overflowing with the goodness of the Lord? I join you in praising Him for His kindness.

Are you discouraged, maybe even feeling like a failure? May He meet you with the blessings of His Word, His presence and His Body.

We have much for which to give thanks, in each and every season.

During this Thanksgiving week, for what are you most grateful? Please join the conversation – I’d love to praise Him with you!

Always give thanks

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