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Listen while you read: "There Were Ninety And Nine"1 (Lyrics) |
As I sat lazily sipping my morning coffee, a sudden movement outside my large bay window caught my eye. There was a little black squirrel, scampering down the trunk of a large tree and across the patches of grass showing through the melting snow, looking for something to eat. During the long cold snap, all the squirrels had disappeared, but much to my delight, this hardy one had bravely ventured forth. Where did he get all that energy?
The answer was very simple. The squirrel was doing what he was created to do. Suddenly, a verse strangely popped into my mind, followed by a very blunt question: What about me?
Ephesians 2:10 – For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)
Yet, here I sat, day after day, doing nothing. Where were my good works? Having been housebound for a long time due to medical problems, I had been taken in by the subtle whispers of the enemy, who had convinced me that I couldn't do anything of value for the Lord — a "helpless" mind set. It was that "poor me" syndrome that caused me to find excuses for myself not to do anything and to blame everyone else.
For example, I had stopped attending church for fear of driving in bad weather or because of the pain that kept me awake at night, making me too tired to get up for church. No one cared anyhow, I reasoned, or someone would have offered me a ride in the bad weather. I had conveniently ignored the fact that I had never bothered to phone anyone who might have given me a ride to church.
As I pondered this uncomfortable revelation, I had to admit that it wasn't just a physical problem any longer. It had become one of attitude. "I can't" had become my mantra.
God, forgive me! It took a little black squirrel to prod me into removing the convenient, comfortable blindfold from my eyes.
Right then, I decided to put forth the effort to go to church the following day, as long as I slept well and God wakened me by 7:30. He very kindly heard my prayer and wakened me at 6:30.
As I sleepily peered out the window at the sunshine, very clear words of Scripture came to my mind: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). In that moment, the fear that had kept me from even trying turned tail and ran. I was excited at the prospect of returning to church, and I didn't want to be late.
I felt that God must be smiling that morning as I sang His praises in church, and I thanked Him for sending that little black squirrel.
Fear is such a debilitating, useless emotion. Our minds can trick us into believing that God has forgotten us in our times of pain and difficulty. Let us not allow fear to wrap its tentacles around our thinking and hold us until we feel unable to cope with anything. Let us remember those Scriptures that have strengthened us on previous occasions.
Prayer: Dear Lord, how easily we fall prey to the whispers of the enemy. In such times, Lord, open our eyes and remind us that You love us and that You are there for us. Help us to call on You and see how quickly You will answer and deliver us from these traps into which we have fallen. Amen.
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Great encouragement, Sharon.
Good message Sharon. I can relate so very well.
Great words to awaken our negative thoughts. Thanks be to God for that little black squirrel.
Amen Sharon, also glad to hear you’re back in the game, enough bench time for you girl!
Blessings.
Sharon,
Thanks for your honest sharing and VICTORY in Christ Name!
(CA)
This is a struggle for me to as I have chronic pain. I have a demanding business I run from home but getting out is a real challenge for me. Keep on truckin’ and thanks for much needed encouragement.!
Good morning, Sharon,
Thank you for this devotional. It had very personal implications for me. I will think about that squirrel today.
Boy can I ever relate to the sentiments expressed in this devotional. Between “Olde Arthur” and the heavy snowfalls, not to mention the flu, my get up and go, got up and went! I’m still managing to get to church, and faithfully have my devotional time, writing and praying, but ye olde bodye rebels from time to time. Praying for you my writing friend. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
Dearest Sharon,
Beloved and Cherished Child of God, In whom the LORD delights;
I think fear properly functions like stop signs or traffic lights on the roadway of life.
A driver who parks at a stop sign when the way is clear.
Dear Sharon
Thank God for His holy word! I love it that the strangest things bring to mind what we need to hear. I hope you are better now in every way.
I know what it’s like to be housebound.
It’s always so good to hear from you.
Dear Sharon Greer,
Thanks for your reminder that we should not want to become lethargic, but to get in there whenever and wherever we, with his help can and should.
I pray that God will continue to bless you with the urge to be like that little squirrel.
God loves you and gives you life and new life in Jesus Christ.
Live it to the utmost of his power in you.
Our minister did not understand after I had been restricted to our home for several months that I said it would be very easy to just be a hermit. You have little company (or that is the way it was with me) so to go back now with a walker would have just been easier to stay home. I watched church on tv so occasionally I still am at home and I know all about being up part or most of the night with pain. So we tough it out.
Thanks for your writing.
Hi
Thank you so much for your worship talk this morning as it sure helps me to smarten up.
I go through what you doing too but with God’s help I know I can do it.
God Bless you.
Hi Sharon,
Your devotional hit a sore spot. I suffer from a myriad of complaints. I do not go anywhere. I often wonder what good am I doing anyone. I pray and read my Bible, but is that enough? I will continue to ask God to help me do his will.
Thank you.
Thank you, Sharon for this wonderful challenge.