Life Plan Devotion #142 [When there's a need]
Hi, Everyone.
Today is my 9-month-out appointment with my surgeon in Oklahoma. My husband and grandson (who doesn't start school until next Wed.) are taking me. Please pray for a safe trip there and back.
Tomorrow I will post the Flashback Friday Devotion. I have a decision to make, in regard to the devotions, so I'd appreciate your prayers (for wisdom, etc.). Thanks.
Please pray for those having surgery today.
Life Plan Devotion #142 [When there's a need]
II Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed" (NASB).
"God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed." Can you "get by" on less, so you can do more for others, in God's work? Oh, how God will bless, when you say "yes"!
My sweet pastor's wife told a true story, at a get-together of the wives of our church's elders and deacons. I wish I had the specific details (name, places, etc.), but I don't. As best as I can remember, I will relate this true story.
A single woman wanted to give to missions, as the need was great. She felt discouraged, because she cleaned houses for a living and so did not make very much money. However, she was a tither and told God that she would give what she could (beyond her tithe) to missions. She was faithful in her giving, and soon the Lord blessed in that she was given another house to clean. She responded by increasing her tithe and giving to missions. Soon, the Lord blessed in that she was given a raise. She responded by giving more.
Some years went by, and this woman faithfully served God with her tithe and offerings. No one, except the church treasurer, surely, knew about her giving. One day a missionary that the church helped support came to the church. This missionary said to the pastor, "I want to meet the woman who has given [X number of dollars] to my ministry." The amount stunned the pastor, so he said, "You must be mistaken. We have no one in our church wealthy enough to have given that amount!"
The missionary, looking puzzled, said, "Her name is [so and so]." It was the pastor's turn to be surprised. With a voice that bespoke his awe, he called for the woman to come forward. The woman and the missionary embraced, tearfully.
You may not think that you have "enough" to give, and maybe you're right, but I'm here to tell you that if you give to God and His Work, "God can give you all you need. He will give you more than enough. You will have everything you need for yourself. And you will have enough left over to give when there is a need" (NLV).
What this has to do with weight loss: When I'm struggling in my own weight-loss journey, I feel so inadequate, like I have nothing to give to anyone. If perfection is required, in order to truly "pay it forward," then I have nothing to give. However, if perfection is not required--and I don't think it is--then I can at least encourage others. When I am in need, it comforts and helps me to encourage others in need. Even if you need for others to reach out to you, don't wait for that. You do the reaching out, and the Lord will see to your needs.
Confession:
I am a giver. God gives me all I need and more, so I can give more.
Blessings,
Mary
Today is my 9-month-out appointment with my surgeon in Oklahoma. My husband and grandson (who doesn't start school until next Wed.) are taking me. Please pray for a safe trip there and back.
Tomorrow I will post the Flashback Friday Devotion. I have a decision to make, in regard to the devotions, so I'd appreciate your prayers (for wisdom, etc.). Thanks.
Please pray for those having surgery today.
Life Plan Devotion #142 [When there's a need]
II Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed" (NASB).
"God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed." Can you "get by" on less, so you can do more for others, in God's work? Oh, how God will bless, when you say "yes"!
My sweet pastor's wife told a true story, at a get-together of the wives of our church's elders and deacons. I wish I had the specific details (name, places, etc.), but I don't. As best as I can remember, I will relate this true story.
A single woman wanted to give to missions, as the need was great. She felt discouraged, because she cleaned houses for a living and so did not make very much money. However, she was a tither and told God that she would give what she could (beyond her tithe) to missions. She was faithful in her giving, and soon the Lord blessed in that she was given another house to clean. She responded by increasing her tithe and giving to missions. Soon, the Lord blessed in that she was given a raise. She responded by giving more.
Some years went by, and this woman faithfully served God with her tithe and offerings. No one, except the church treasurer, surely, knew about her giving. One day a missionary that the church helped support came to the church. This missionary said to the pastor, "I want to meet the woman who has given [X number of dollars] to my ministry." The amount stunned the pastor, so he said, "You must be mistaken. We have no one in our church wealthy enough to have given that amount!"
The missionary, looking puzzled, said, "Her name is [so and so]." It was the pastor's turn to be surprised. With a voice that bespoke his awe, he called for the woman to come forward. The woman and the missionary embraced, tearfully.
You may not think that you have "enough" to give, and maybe you're right, but I'm here to tell you that if you give to God and His Work, "God can give you all you need. He will give you more than enough. You will have everything you need for yourself. And you will have enough left over to give when there is a need" (NLV).
What this has to do with weight loss: When I'm struggling in my own weight-loss journey, I feel so inadequate, like I have nothing to give to anyone. If perfection is required, in order to truly "pay it forward," then I have nothing to give. However, if perfection is not required--and I don't think it is--then I can at least encourage others. When I am in need, it comforts and helps me to encourage others in need. Even if you need for others to reach out to you, don't wait for that. You do the reaching out, and the Lord will see to your needs.
Confession:
I am a giver. God gives me all I need and more, so I can give more.
Blessings,
Mary
"Don't tell God how big your storm is; tell your storm how BIG your God is!"
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
It's so good to hear from you, Vickie. Thank you for being soft and moldable, which is God's definition of "delight," so that He can fulfill His promise, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." :)
Thanks for your prayers. You know you have mine. :)
(((Blessings))),
Mary
Thanks for your prayers. You know you have mine. :)
(((Blessings))),
Mary
"Don't tell God how big your storm is; tell your storm how BIG your God is!"
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
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