Many summers ago, according to my to-do list, I was failing.
I had blown so many self-imposed deadlines. Major goals on my list remained unmet. Even small projects around the house were back-burnered. With the kids home, my day was a symphony of constant interruptions, sounding like the clatter of breakfast, the rushing toward music lessons, the whirring of the washing machine.
In an effort to stay sane, I prayed the same prayer every single morning: “God, help me to make choices today that honor Your plans for my life.”
I determined to follow God’s agenda rather than trying to convince Him to help me carry out mine. This is no small task for a woman with a rather robust inner control freak. There are times when I secretly hope God will empower me to plow through my to-do list rather than equip me for His.
But God is totally on to me. The old saying, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans,” summed up my summer. Sure, there were moments of terrific productivity. But often, my daily prayer led me miles away from the office.
As it turns out, that summer was exactly what my agenda-driven heart needed. Which is to say, my soul needed a place to breathe. My soul needed days of cute kittens, impromptu picnics with the girls, kayak rides, and petunias — alongside satisfying days of productivity.
I can’t simply walk away from my work, of course. But I have surrendered my agenda to the God of The Calendar. I choose to be sustained by the belief that God will help me complete the work He has called me to do . . . in His time.
Maybe you’ve been like me — caught between your grand plans and your actual life. Maybe you’ve been feeling a little panicky that what you intended to do, simply hasn’t gotten done. Maybe what we all really need right now is to remember that God has this all under control. We get to simply pray, “God, help me to make choices today that honor Your plans for my life.” Amen!
This devotion was written by Jennifer Dukes Lee as appears in 100 Days of Strength in Any Struggle.
Our honesty + God’s truth is often the intersection of new strength!
This is what you’ll find in the pages of 100 Days of Strength in Any Struggle. This beautiful devotional journal brings you relatable stories like Jennifer’s, along with life-line Scriptures, space to journal your prayers or takeaways, and a daily spot to record how God is meeting you with His strength. (And He will!) You can get a copy at DaySpring, Amazon, or wherever books are sold.
Earlier this summer, we took part in a Strength in Any Struggle book club with thousands of women who are part of the Mary & Martha team and DaySpring family! We’ve pulled a dozen live videos from our (in)courage writers and are now making them available for YOU!
Check out this NEW YouTube playlist for more personal stories, biblical teaching, practical application, and soul encouragement for whatever struggle you face today.
And share this post with a friend who could use some extra support too! We’re in this together.
Needed this reminder on a week I added giveaway host and website designer to all the normal stuff! Recovering control freak over here too ♀️ I’m learning (slowly) to simplify where I can, lean on others, and let go of outcomes. Grateful for extra eyes, genius minds, camaraderie, and a time out for dinner with neighbors.
Thank you, Jennifer, for leading us back to “the God of the Calendar”!
Jennifer, the prayer at the beginning was enough for me. Nail on the head, toes stepped on, courage releasing power to my soul. I immediately shared it with my inner circle. Feedback was “awesome” “Great” praise hands & clapping. I then read the rest of your post & I’m sending to you “Awesome” “Great” Thank you for being the message my heart heart needed this AM & the mornings He has numbered for me. Blessings (((0)))
Jennifer,
I can relate and I think other women too, so I shared it x 2!
Sending you summer joy,
Lisa Wilt
So simple a prayer but SO powerful! One of my keeper articles here at in courage!
Good reminder, Jennifer!