Monday, June 14, 2010

I need 32, 000 soldiers…

Have you ever wondered why you just can’t get it all together? I mean, why are there always more things to check off the to-do list? The house is never clean enough. The lawn always needs mowed. There is that other load of laundry that needs to be washed and for that matter, all the laundry needs to be put away. Nate’s clothes need to be pressed on Fridays. I need to run, too. And more importantly, am I in the Word enough? Have I prayed with the children today? Am I being consistent with the discipleship they need? Oh wait, I was reminded today that my child’s behavior might be a reflection of my behavior. Am I respecting and submitting to my husband the way I should to be an example for them?
I have this vision of the “Perfect Mom.” You know, the one whose home is immaculate with a side of fresh chicken salad and fresh baked bread for company that might pop in. The one who just baked extra food for Sister So-and-So because she is having a rough time with this pregnancy. It is a vision of the mother whose children follow like ducklings at the very sound of her soft, gentle voice. It is the one who knows when her neighbor is in need and is there to provide whatever she can to be a witness for His kingdom. I think it’s the vision of the woman found in Proverbs 31. I’m pretty sure that’s her. Have you seen her, too?
As I have this vision I’m reminded of Gideon and the Midianites. Gideon was prepared and ready for war with his 32, 000 soldiers; but God said, “No.” God said that was too many people. Why? “…lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’” God weeded them out, all the way down to 300. That’s a big difference there Gideon.
And that is when the light shines through. I’m just beginning this journey of true biblical womanhood. If God allowed me to be “perfect” without tribulation, affliction, and trials, it would be so easy for the root of pride to neglect God’s grace and to take the credit and glory for what “I” have accomplished. I remember when I was pregnant with Lily and I professed to my family my desire for four children. My mother commented that I would never have four children because I couldn’t handle it. My sinful pride thought, “Well, I’ll show her.” At the time, my desire for four children was more so I could have a big kitchen table. God, however, changed that desire from four children around a kitchen table to a desire to create an army for Him. And you know what else He changed? I realized my mother was right! I can’t handle it by myself. But praise God that through Him and by Him I can! I may not be the “perfect” mom, but by His grace I will fold each sock, dry each dish, kiss each boo-boo, and hug my husband for His glory and His glory alone.

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

4 comments:

Jama said...

Beautiful Michelle. Absolutely beautiful. As Brent said in his sermon yesterday we are to run the race with faithful endurance. There is no perfect Proverbs 31 woman, but we are to be faithful in the things he has given us to do whether we are single, newly weds, have one child or ten. May the Lord prosper the work of your hands this day as you seek to build your home and raise your children for His glory.

Chel's Leaving a Legacy said...

Bravo, my friend. That's me...and it has been me ever since I was you...your age, I mean. I think I have gathered you are a few years younger than me. And I struggled with this very thing from where you are, and I still do.

Except now I'm thinking, "Seriously? I STILL can't get all this together? After all this time?"

And then I remind myself of exactly what you said. We can't handle it properly on our own, but with His guidance, direction, and Spirit pushing us through, we will ultimately fulfill what He's called us to do.

Every now and then, He does have to let us see what a mess we'd be without Him. :-)

Tony C said...

Wow...virtual 'high five' coming your way!

You made me feel bad about sitting at a desk all day, even though it is my job. BTW...I hate folding and putting away laundry. Worst job in the house to me.

Tracey said...

A great reminder that His grace truly is sufficient!

Just found your blog and look forward to reading more!