Today’s devotional though”

“Allow God to lead you. He will lead you along “his path”, making use of innumerable adversities… possibly including your own sluggishness, so that it may clearly be seen that your work is being carried out by him.”  (1)

It’s only Tuesday, my mind tells me as I enter the office.  Maybe a ten hour day today, interrupted by a quick check in at the ophthalmologist.  Lots of things to do on the to do list, planning services for the next three weeks, framing up plans for Advent series, maybe squeezing in a visit or two, and some fun with the couple I am doing pre-marital counseling with this evening.  (that’s always kinda fun for me.. for them)  Already four more names added to the prayer list- including a cousin back east who was in a accident when a tree fell on his car while he was driving by, another parishioner’s recovery from surgery, and a coupe of serous things that are serious, but cannot discuss.

Sometimes I feel like life is one adversity after another – and sometimes they come in pairs and trios.  It is as if everyday is like another Monday, that there is little time to rest, and too many things that cannot get done.

I used to think it was about depending on God when I felt overwhelmed – at some point I would finally realize that He is there, and that I need to depend on Him if I am to survive.  It’s like the footprints in the sand poem, and I get too proud of the times where I didn’t need to be carried, where I could walk on my own.

If I am honest, though, I can’t walk on my own strength. I need Him to not just walk with me, but to let me lean on him constantly, to let Him carry me, to know His support, His presence, His love.

Paul explain it this way:  “^2:19 For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. ²⁰ My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.   Galatians 2:19-20 (NLT)  

I fear I am not phrasing this well, but the idea is simple – it is not just when I am weak that I require His strength… it is constantly.  He’s there – He’s promised to get us though for being united to Him, we find our lives take a shift in meaning.  The sooner we realize that, the more we can enjoy the trials we endure.

Lord, may our lives cry out for, and receive Your mercy..

(1)Escriva, Josemaria (2011-01-31). The Forge (Kindle Locations 1339-1341). Scepter Publishers. Kindle Edition.