Is God
Asking Too Much?
Do you ever feel like God has placed two conflicting callings
on your life?
Okay,
God, I think You want me to teach Sunday school, but have You noticed how busy
we are helping my parents? There’s no way I can fit that into my schedule.
Lord,
I’d really like to invite that family over for dinner, but unless You’re
sending a maid to volunteer at my house this week, it just isn’t going to
happen.
 |
| "Tent city" at the Jennings' home! |
That’s how I felt when God called me to begin writing. For years I’d set aside my dreams
because I knew that I was supposed to homeschool our children. It seemed that
the demands of the individual lessons, sports practices and co-ops left no room
for anything else. I was at full capacity, doing what God had instructed us to
do. Maybe someday I could try the writing thing, but not until my children had
graduated.
But then a funny thing happened. I became convinced that
this was a test of faith. The question wasn’t whether I’d get published or not—that
didn’t seem like a possibility at all. The question was whether I had the faith
to try. If God wanted me to homeschool and write, then He would show me how.
Do you know what I found out? I learned that God will not contradict Himself. He
will not call you to do the impossible. How do I know that? Because All Things are Possible with Him.
You can’t imagine how you’ll find the time, but God knows.
It might mean dropping some activities that aren’t in His
plan for you. It might mean letting go of some routines or traditions, but
don’t feel overwhelmed. He will provide. Every morning you can look in the
mirror with confidence and say: “God has given me enough time to do everything
He wants me to do today.”
CFP: AMEN SISTER!!! Regina, I remember being at ACFW conference when you pitched your first book to Bethany as a newbie. That had to have been a shock to you when they picked it up right away, especially given what you said in your post above. How wonderful that God has blessed your faithfulness in reaching out to do what He has called you to do!
Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of Regina's wonderful new novel this week. AND Regina is kindly giving away a signed copy! (Thank you, Regina!!!) Question: Do you struggle to believe God will enable you to do what He's called you to do?
I know deep down that He will enable me but sometimes I get overwhelmed in the day to day trials and have to remember to focus on His plans for me!! kosterbind (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteAnd there's so much that pretends to be important. That's the trick, isn't it? Knowing His plan?
DeleteGod gives us so many good gifts, and even for those who have seemingly less visible talents than others, there are still so many opportunities to join Him in His kingdom building on earth. I sometimes find it difficult to discern between the good and the best way to invest limited time and energy. I try to consider what I can do to help more people toward following Christ. What is most productive. But then I realize only He knows. That requires constantly being open and seeking his direction and then redirection.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Janice
jsmithg (at) hotmail (dot) com
I agree, Janice. Ultimately, we can't see what's going to be most beneficial. That's where faith comes in, and if we make a mistake...grace.
DeleteThank you for being with us on OWG and for your encouraging testimony, REGINA! I think as women we always take on way too much, but knowing what God has called us to do is key. If we're doing what others expect of us our strength and health may very well give way -- but if GOD has called us to do it His grace is sufficient and as you said He will enable us!
ReplyDeleteThat's right, Diana. We have so many expectations on us. And then I'm convicted because I start thinking of the expectations I put on others. We might need to step back and realize God might have plans for others that differ from what we wished they'd do, too.
DeleteRegina, Your words are encouraging! I've dime my home school years and now in the later days of my life I find I am pressed on every side to get anything done! You remind me that God makes it all possible and works things out. Now I just need to do my part :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've read any of your books but I'm not sure. I read so many!
I've heard that, Anne. That we always think we'll have more time in the future. It doesn't always work out that way, does it? Thanks for commenting.
DeleteREGINA, what a wonderful post! I can fully understand how you were feeling. Now that my husband is going through cancer there are days when I wonder LORD how much more? But then He assures me that He has it all under control and gives me the strength to keep on keeping on!! :-)
ReplyDeleteTeresa, I'm sorry to hear about your husband. May God's strength be with you both. He's with you every step of the way.
DeleteThank you for your beautiful post, Regina!!
ReplyDeleteThe words in your first comments response are SO important: "there's so much that pretends to be important". I must continually ask myself what would God have me do with my time, as often - things I may consider important aren't important at all, compared to those things God considers important or His plans for me.
Re: finding more time in the future: as senior citizen retired from my job outside of the home after 46 years - I've found that time is what we make it as there will always be things to consume our time. The secret truly is determining the things He would have us do, because as you commented - He will provide the time for them.
Looking forward to reading your latest release, Regina - congrats and blessings!!
Thanks, Bonnie. Blessings to you, too.
DeleteThank you so much for sharing your encouraging testimony REGINA! Wow, that sounds SO much like me it's not funny! Always limiting ourselves in God when it's not necessary. I still remember, with a cringe, how many 'suggestions' I gave Carrie of my limits with time re reviews when she invited me onto OWG. But God was SO behind this, and as I began to fully trust that, I relaxed and He took over! And now if I do struggle, I know I just have to pray and He always comes through. What a wonderful God we serve. And boy am I ever glad you listened to Him too... Your stories are a huge inspiration and blessing in every way!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your testimony, Noela. And I love the freedom I have. When I realize that I'm too busy, then I know there's something that I can set aside. We don't have to do it all, do we?
DeleteHi Regina, thank you for sharing these wonderful thoughts. God is faithful, and He will help us do all we are called to do! We homeschooled our five children too. It was such a busy time, but I also started writing then. I learned to write with all kinds of distractions around me. I learned a lot from the books we read aloud, especially historical fiction. That has helped me so much! Blessings to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteI've found that, too, Carrie. Even this year as I was reading the kids' historical fiction books aloud, I was stopping to jot down phrases and speech patterns that will make it into future works of mine. Research!
DeleteWonderful reminders that I definitely need at this time, Regina.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandra!
DeleteI just have to keep claiming Phil. 4:13 that I can do all things through Jesus Christ - because otherwise I wouldn't get out of bed, knowing what we need to do, in the missionary life we're in now! I can't wait to read Regina's latest - I love the cover!
ReplyDeletemissionwife AT hotmail DOT com
I've always been so impressed with missionaries! God bless you, Melody!
DeleteYES, I do struggle to believe that God will enable me to do what He's called me to do. I need this revelation deep is my spirit man! Regina, thank you for positing this article! Blessings
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you too, Caryl!
DeleteNo, I do not find I struggle. My children are grown, we are retired & God has blessed us with good health & wonderful children. We believe we are to be good examples unto the Lord & strive to do that each day. This is a day the Lord hath made and I REJOICE and I'm glad it... Yes! God has given me time each day.. thanks for reminding me of that!
ReplyDeletedkstevensne AT outlook . COM
It sounds like you've figured out how to say no to the things that sap our time. You are an encouragement, Deanna!
DeleteI had to smile at your example . . . Lord, I’d really like to invite that family over for dinner, but unless You’re sending a maid to volunteer at my house this week, it just isn’t going to happen. I can relate. Thanks for the insight and words of encouragement. durdbabcock (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteGlad to know I'm not the only one, Derinda. :) So come on over, just step over the laundry.
DeleteRegina
ReplyDeleteI absolutely understand not seeing how you can finish things but I wrote this note just to encourage you
God Bless you Have a terrific, wonderful God-inspired day
Chris
Thank you, Chris. You are an encouragement. And I needed to see that quote just today with our co-op Christmas party and all the writing stuff ahead of me before Christmas.
DeleteGod bless you!
Regina, Thank you for your encouragement. Yes, sometimes we question our calling. God gave me this verse when something went wrong and I thought my book would come out with unfixed errors.
ReplyDeletePsalms 138:8 The Lord will prefect that which concerns me;Your mercy and lovingkindness, O Lord, endure forever. Forsake not the works of Your own hand.
Guess what! The Lord fixed the problem that very day. My book released with only one error. An "ed" added to the word "dress."
I'd love to read and own a copy of your book. landtbeth at yahoo dot com
What a story, and I fully sympathize. I've never been able to read my books once they're published because I'm afraid I'll find a mistake. Sometimes we just have to let it go. :)
DeleteGod bless!
I do sometimes struggle with what God has called me to do, not so much believing He will enable me to do it, but just feeling overwhelmed. If I'm being honest, sometimes I just struggle because I don't want to do it! I'm learning to just surrender and do what He says because I know He will help me and His ways are best.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy Regina's books so would love to win her new book. It really looks good.
Good point, Pam. Just because we know what he wants us to do doesn't mean we want to do it. Faith, sister, that He has His reasons. :) God bless!
DeleteGREAT post, Regina, and one that is SO pertinent to this time of year when expectations are at an all time high! Thanks again for sharing with us!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for having me, Carrie and company! I love visiting you here!
DeleteI sometimes feel really inadequate and have to rely totally on Him, because I know I can't do it alone. Somehow things always seem to work out as they should, even though it can be a real struggle to get there. sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteAnd every time God works it out, that builds our faith. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteI have learned to trust & believe. With age comes wisdom - for want of a better way to put it.
ReplyDeleteHopefully! ;)
DeleteThank you for your encouraging words.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Thanks, Melanie. Good luck in the drawing.
DeleteI not only struggle with trusting in God's will, but I sometimes have trouble figuring out what His will is.
ReplyDeletecindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
Another element that we need His guidance on. Because I'd always wanted to write, I wasn't sure whether it was God's will or my desire. I just prayed that if I was mistaken, He'd close the doors and get me back on the right track. So far, I'm still going down this path.
DeleteHi Regina. Glad you are here. I am like Cindi. I am 79 and I've never felt like I know just what GOD wanted me to do. What talent HE gave me. The only thing I really remember wanting to do was to get married and have children. Well, I married at 16 and had 4 children. I do remember drawing pictures of clothes. And, when I had my first girl I designed her little clothes, but just simple. I also sewed some of my own and later sewed things for gifts. But my back and neck gave me problems later in life and now I don't sew. I've tried to be a good daughter, mother, and friend. also to try and encourage others, but is that me or GOD. I never seem to hear HIS voice like so many people talk about. But, I do know HE is my Savior. And has blessed us with many miracles. Congrats on your new book and I would love to win one. Thanks Carrie for inviting Regina here. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful testimony, Cindi. I'd say in raising those kids you were doing exactly what God wanted you to do. I hope you didn't get the impression that I heard the audible voice of God. Not at all! But through conviction, prayer and the encouragement of those around me, I began to sense that I was suppose to attempt writing. And I didn't tell anyone that God told me to write at the time. If it was truly from God, then the results would speak for themselves, even if that result was an internal peace. Thank you for sharing
DeleteI always struggle with this. I am also a homeschooling mom and writer. I know in my head that God will provide the means of accomplishing what He wants from us, but my heart and body are usually a little slower to get the message! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDelete