Today’s Monday Morning Inspiration is all about not giving up and staying the course.
I needed this advice very much today. I felt a bit down today. During my quiet time with God, I was doubting myself and my abilities particularly with starting this blog.
Is my goal of connecting with women of faith too broad? Will I have enough to share and encourage? Can I really do this, Lord? I feel you calling me here, but am I really capable?
Then, I opened one of my favorite devotionals – The Daily Reader for Contemplative Living Excerpts from the Works of Father Thomas Keating and read an excerpt from a devotional which said “The Counselor will teach you all things.” (John 14:26, NIV)
Ok, Lord, I’m listening.
In this passage, Keating describes how we feel God calling us to do something which requires great effort on our part. Sometimes we are successful in that effort, but sometimes the road gets bumpy and we want to give up. But if we are open to the Holy Spirit at work in our lives, we will know which way to go.
Keating urges us to persevere in what God has called us to do. In doing so, we experience God’s grace which equips us to do what we cannot do on our own.
So good, right?
The devotional certainly encouraged me to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit and the gift of counsel in my life. It’s just what I needed to get myself out of the doldrums and focus my thoughts on God and his plan for my life.
So, my Monday morning message to myself and to you is…don’t give up!
Stay true to what God is calling you to do. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing your calling to someone else’s. Everyone’s calling is unique. And, God will be right there with you as keep on pressing on!
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13 (ESV)