Today I have a devotion running on Proverbs 31's Encouragement For Today. Welcome if you are visiting after reading it!
I shared my story about how, when faced with tough edits for my first novel, I had to simply do the work and trust God to fill in my gaps and show up in the midst of my extreme need. I needed energy, wisdom, clarity and creativity. And He supplied it all. Honestly, when people tell me that they like the book, I feel that I did very little. Between God and my fantastically talented editor, the book got done!
It's interesting that this devotion is running as I am in the middle of another round of tough edits. (I write devotions far in advance so I have no idea what will run when.) With these edits, I've quickly reached the end of myself and had to lean on God all over again. I thought that my second set of edits would be easier... not so. This book is entirely different from Mailbox, and therefore it feels like writing my first novel all over again. This time God brought me to another verse in Chronicles. This one II Chronicles 20:17:
"You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' "
I have copied the verse on an index card and read it every morning during my quiet time. I let the words pour over me, reminding and reassuring me that God is in this, just as He was before. I will not have to fight this battle either. I will have to do the work-- taking up my position, as this particular verse indicates-- but God will be with me. Knowing He is fighting on my behalf is very comforting as I endeavor to do the best job I can.
18 comments:
Marybeth, my friend, you have no idea how much I needed this today. God spoke directly through you to me. Thank you.
Marybeth, your devo today was timed so absolutely perfectly. God not only spoke to you through this verse (which has been a longtime favourite of mine) but to me as well. Tonight I face a huge fear in my life because God has called me to obey Him and teach at a ladies' event at our church. For two months, I have been "doing the work" and tonight I'm imploring Him to come and meet with us and bring the harvest. And to keep me from falling apart! Thank you for your words.
The devo for today is such a good word! It reminds me of "From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more." Luke 12:48
I always read this verse when life seems overwhelming with responsibility. I think I'll add your two promises to mine and just do the work today :)
PS I know this book will be a great read too!! Praying for you as you finish.
I've long been a fan of this verse - and a fan of yoru writing. tx for the reminder, friend.
Hi Marybeth! I just wanted to stop by and thank you for your article over at P31 today. It really ministered to me and spoke to my heart...in many ways. I need to 'do the work' in a lot of places in my life and in my home and just haven't gotten to it. I will remember these words now and use them as my own motto when I just can't seem to get started!
Praise God and thank you for sharing this today!
God's blessings to you and your family!
Trudy
I saw your devotional this morning just after I finished devising a plan with my husband to help my daughter (a senior) use her time more wisely. She is totally overwhelmed by the pressures and duties facing her this year and this will be a perfect devo to pass on to her as we discuss our plan. Meanwhile, I have to follow this advice myself! After 17 years being mostly home with my children, I have been pushing myself to restart my "career" which has shifted from teaching art BK (before kids) to actually trying to paint and sell my work and also write. I just have to DO THE WORK and it ain't easy! Thanks for the encouragement!
I loved that verse. Right now, the biggest battle I am facing is to learning to let God control the aspects of my life. I need to learn to trust him and to know that like your verse said, he will be with me to fight the fight. I think it's one thing to say that you can give God control, and totally another thing to actually give it up. I look forward to your posts everyday because I feel like I learn so much!
This devotional is for me. God is speaking to me through you. I have been struggling with an assignment which was due last Sunday and the extension expires 11:55EST at a cost of 20% being deducted from it. Although it is so, i had planned to go home and finish and submit it. Now God has reinforced my action with these two verses. These two verses are the verses that I am going to use whenever I feel frustrated or overwhelmed.
Thanks Marybeth.
Thank you so much for the devotional. God is awesome! Last night, He helped me to realize that I was shrinking back because of fear and that He is not able to bless me unless I "do it"! I have been sitting on the couch waiting for it all to fall into place. Of course, to no one's surprise, it hasn't.
Just know that God used your words and work today in my life and I am truly thankful. Today I will "do the work"!
I just wanted to say you are all in my business. Thanks My friend. You stated somethings that I have been struggling with. It's like you were in my head and home. Just "Do The Work" wow wow wow I am floored
Oh my goodness, thank you, thank you, thank you. I have been trying to encourage a woman who needs to work on her marriage and have been sort of saying this but you said it so eloquently and with scripture!!
Know that you will touch hearts with this and I am saving it to encourage others who need to Do The Work!!
This hit me right between the eyes! I'm having some financial problems right now and lately I have just ignored them. Now the phone calls and threats are coming and I'm overwhelmed. I know that I need to pick up the phone when they call but I'm just so embarrassed and I don't know what I'm going to do. Well after reading this I know that God is with me and that He will help me get through it. I just have to sit down and DO THE WORK. Thank you so much! I've printed this for my husband to read! I hope he gets the message as loudly as I did. Thank you again and God bless you!
Debbie
Perfect message for me today - THANKS. I can't tell you haw many times I've said "Do the Work." All of the women at Proverbs 31 are making a positive impact, thanks for following God's will for your lives.
Marybeth,
Oh what a timely message for me as I put my feet up, exhausted after a week of dealing with difficult students! I must pray more for God to give me the grace and patience I need as I "do the work."
Great devotion that I needed to hear myself but have also passed along to a group of my homeschool mom friends. So many times we feel overwhelmed with the task, but what a great reminder to just "do the work" and allow God to do the rest.
Can't wait to read your next book! May God give you His strength and divine inspiration as you "do the work".
Blessings,
Pam
Oh my word...I needed that word!!! TODAY. I was walking in fear to go to church tomorrow...over an issue at church, but now I can stand boldly and go! Thanks for sharing.
blessings!
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