I say encouraged, but also, once again, confronted with my own prideful, sinful nature.
I have begun to visit this blog daily to receive encouragement for the day, to be reminded of my job. And today I found this quote, which really spoke to what I was dealing with in yesterday's post. Enjoy.
Perhaps that is an issue for some of us--struggling with the reality that God has called us to do less than we want to do or less than what we believe is best. That can happen in any setting. For me, it's been especially true in my years with small children - 'I got a college degree for this?' Maybe the problem is the way we see ourselves. Maybe we think more highly of ourselves than we ought.
If anyone was too good to die, it was Jesus. If anyone should have done greater things than walking dusty roads and talking with people too dense to understand him, it was Jesus. In Philippians 3 . . . is the verse, "that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death" (verse 10). When God called Helen to less than she expected, he was helping her become like Christ, rather than like the best doctor or missionary she knew of. Who is it we want to be like?" (p. 172)
This quote is taken from the book, Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God, by Noel Piper.
6 comments:
Such great words. I enjoyed your last post too. I think this will be something that I struggle to when it is my time to stay at home. But I think that it is even applicable to me right now. Often times I expect more from myself than what I am doing. I want to feel satisfied in work and when I don't it can be easy to say "I spent 6 years in school for this?" But, I have to remind myself that I am here for a reason and that it is glorifying God. He is the reason. He is the one who placed me in this stage of life and job. Be encouraged and stay true to your convictions! Don't listen to Satan's lies :)
LB, thank you for sharing your heart and your struggles. I, too, can see myself in your shoes when the day arrives to begin a family. It's amazing how in theory we can know that the greatest calling from God is to help raise up Godly children, but yet we want more. I will pray that God continues to show you and encourage you about where He wants you to be. Keep sharing because I know I will need to go back and read these one day for myself!
Hey! Love, love, the last two posts. You know how I feel about all of it-so I don't even have to say anything about that. But I loved what you said about emotion vs. truth. I wanted to encourage you with this also, that as Ada gets older (as Ellie has-even Luke is not really there yet) your role becomes a little more fulfilling. And what I mean is, Ellie asks questions-constantly!! About anything and everything. I don't want to entrust someone else to shape her mind with answers. It's too big of a job. And even though you can read scripture and tell Bible stories to Ada now(and I certainly think it is important and God can work in a heart whenever He so chooses)-it is very exciting and rewarding when they respond to God's Word and you can see them listening. Also the days are not so monotonous(sp?)anymore when there are multiple children. Looking forward to next week!
I don't stay at home- but, I think it is wonderful that you do. It is a sacrafice, and I admire you for making that decision and staying committed to it.
Wow, such powerful words. Both encouraging and convicting in that they bring to light all the pride that I store up. Often I wonder why God has not placed me somewhere creative where I can excell. Of course I know God gives us talents but the quote is a reminder that my purpose is not to be creative, or super intelligent, or pretty, or a great cook, or a wonderful public speaker, or a mathmatician...it is to be more like Him through whatever tasks He has for me. (sorry, way too long a coment!)
that is a really cool quote...thanks for posting!
Hollen
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