“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
This Queen Bee has a Big But
One Christmas not long ago, my mom got me these “Queen Bee” slippers. Not only did my feet slide right in comfortably, I liked to believe the title fit perfectly in my life as well. You know, in charge of my “hive,” anticipating what comes in and goes out, and with all the hard work paying off sweetly? In other words, I like to be the queen in command of everything. Maybe you already knows how that has turned out. Unfortunately, my prayer life suffers from my trying to wear the crown of control too.
When I pray, I earnestly tell God that I desire to be radically used by Him. The words however, are usually not yet off my tongue before I feel a tightening in my chest and the next breath caught in my throat. Yep, there it is.…I know it and God definitely knows it because it’s a reoccurring reaction in my prayer time…..It’s my BIG BUT getting in the way! (Sometimes I crack myself up, haha!)
Seriously, wanting to be used by God, to hear his calling and answer is my sincere desire, BUT: I want to do it without leaving my comfort zone, sacrificing too much, or suffering in the process. In other words, I want to do God’s work BUT do it MY way like a “Queen Bee.” Can you relate because you also have a big but like mine?
Remember with me the “Parable of the Talents,” told in Matthew 25:14-30. Jesus shared with his listeners a story about a man who gave his servants some of his money to take care of in his absence. Two of the servants used the money they’d been given to make more for their master. The last servant was too afraid to take a risk…he had a “big but” if you will; and so, he buried the coins only to return what he’d been given. I’m afraid I’m an awful lot like that third servant by offering a poor return on God’s investment.
God entrusts us with talents, time, money, and other gifts. What we do with them is up to us. Will we use them to serve God or will we, ME, make excuses or let fear keep us from doing what He asks of us? So, what’s a gal (or guy) with a BIG BUT to do? I don’t have it all figured out yet but here’s where I’m learning we need to start:
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on firm footing.”
Psalm 143:10 (NIV) (emphasis mine)
Did you catch that? We’re not supposed to do the work God has for us on our own. (You’d think I’d have learned this by now). It’s God’s instruction and guidance we need to depend on to make the task before us attainable. It’s also important to be willing to put one foot in front of the other and “walk the walk” through our everyday lives in preparation for all God calls us to do.
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for
this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
I’m certainly not there yet, maybe you aren’t either, but we need to remember it won’t happen all at once. However, if we’re willing, I believe with prayer, practice, perseverance, and taking baby steps as we follow after God, our BIG buts will shrink until they disappear from our prayers all together. I look forward to that time when they’re finally “behind” me. Will you join me in praying to be willing and take the first step on our “but-free” journey of doing God’s will, God’s way, and following the true King’s lead? It’s about time I take my crown off for good. How about you?
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses
to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down,
especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of they awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)
Joining once again with http://www.fiveminutefriday.com writing to the prompt “But”.
Love your slippers. And yes I can relate. This is a fantastic message Cindy.
FMF#9
xo
Paula, thank you for your kind words. It truly helps me to know I’m not alone in my challenges. I appreciate you sharing that with me.
Good message, and yes, I can totally relate.
P.S. Cute slippers.
Thank you Sandra. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in my challenges! God bless you!
PS I loved those slippers too!
Well, this cracked me up too! ha ha And I’m sure God is chuckling too. He has a sense of humor! BUT, he is using you in the way he so wonderfully made you. Don’t be so hard on yourself. We don’t need to be radical to do his work. I always feel guilty in my prayers when I thank him, thank him and thank him and then ask him to do more… Am I supposed to do that? Does he get tired of me asking for help? I suppose not as he’s always helping and guiding. He’s probably chuckling at me too. What a beautifully written blog Cindy. The message is clear. Thanks for being a part of our lives! Oh, and wear that crown and those slippers in good faith. You are a daughter of a King! xo
Oh LaVonne, you always make me smile! I’ll let God wear the crown but the slippers are mine! Haha! I do think God has a sense of humor too but, I may stretch his limits at times! I so appreciate your kind words!