UPDATE: Congratulations to Cecilia and Renee! You are this week’s winners and will be receiving a copy of Prayers for a Woman’s Soul by Julie Gillies.
Welcome Encouragement for Today friends! I’m so glad you stopped by.
Feel free to linger for a while and be sure to sign up for today’s drawing or leave a prayer request at the bottom of this post.
Can I ask you a question? Have you ever thought to yourself, “God could never use me”? I have … many times.
I spent years watching from the sidelines while many of my friends accomplished great things. When I looked at my own life I didn’t see anything super significant or worthy to call great.
I felt like I was stuck in the same, old perpetual pattern. Day in. Day out. Life had become routine and I was becoming restless.Maybe you’ve felt that way too.
Deep down inside have you ever longed to accomplish something important that the world needs? Does your heart whisper, I want to do something that matters … something great for God.
What I’ve come to understand and want to share with you today is this: We were created with purpose and meticulous design to accomplish great things and reveal God’s glory.
Here’s some good news. You don’t need to run yourself ragged, chasing after hopeful possibilities, that might turn into something amazing. God has unique plans He’s purposefully chosen with you in mind.
God created you with intentionality. He’s designed you and placed you in this world, for such a time as this, to shine His light and fulfill His plans.
You are not an after-thought or happenstance. Your life has great purpose. The assignments God has specifically chosen for you can not be accomplished by anyone else.
If you’re like me, these assignments primarily exist within the walls of your home, where children {or grandchildren} are nurtured and husbands are loved. Or maybe your assignments take place within the walls of an office cubicle, a daycare center, medical building, restaurant or local church.
Let’s not fall into the trap of being preoccupied and focused on what everyone else is doing. Instead, let’s choose to give loving attention to the assignments God has given us.
To work with commitment. Serve with excellence. Help others with great care.
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.” (NLT)
What are you trying to accomplish today? Share your thoughts in the comment box below or leave a request so I can be praying for you.
I’d love for you to share this post {or my P31 devotion} with your friends. Here is what I’ve selected for this week’s drawing. I’m giving away 2 copies of Prayers for a Woman’s Soul. If you’re unable to see the image above, be sure to click on the title to this post. If you’d like to stay in touch {and I hope you do} just fill in the Subscribe for Updates box on the top right side of this page.
www.empoweredperformance.com says
Tremendous issues here. I’m very glad to peer
your article. Thank you so much and I am taking a look forward to contact you.
Will you please drop me a e-mail?
Lisa says
Leah,
I just now read this blog post (the one that was on the Proverbs 31 devo for April 9th by you). I was cleaning up my cluttered inbox and came across this and realized I hadn’t even read it yet. I really needed this today!! If I’d read it a few months ago it wouldn’t have spoken to me.
God has called me to write after coming out of a difficult season of parenting with my son. I am in the process of writing a book for the first time and feeling inadequate on many days. I’m attending the She Speaks conference next month and I’m very excited about it.
Your comments about struggling with how big your platform is and how many people are impacted by your influence really spoke volumes to me. I shouldn’t be consumed with how many followers are on my blog or how many “friends” I have on facebook. I just want to be obedient to what God calls me to and not worry about how many people are noticing.
Thank you for your very timely words. Even things we’ve written long ago and have maybe been forgotten by us can still be used in great and mighty ways….because it’s all in His timing.
Blessings!
Lisa
Kathy Carter says
Hi Leah. I love your post. I think that’s the way we are sometimes, we try to make our own plans when God has something else in mind. I read this post at the perfect time. Right now I’m working on an attempt to start a Christian blog with crafting involved called Project Faithbook. If you’ve ever heard of Becky Higgins Project Life, it is something similar to that. If this is what God wants me to do he will make A way for it to blossom and bring others to the Lord and into their own faith. I do ask that you pray for me that I’m sure this is what I meant to do. I do other craft blogging and other stuff but this one has been weighing on my heart for about six months. With a little extra prayer I won’t be afraid to take that Leap of Faith and have the wisdom to know this is what he is asking of me. Our God truly is Awesome!!! Praise his Holy Name.
Nadine Coral says
Good morning,
Thanks for your inspirational words. I asking you to pray for myself, my kids and those god has placed in my life to lean on when I am weak. Especially for my son’s father to leave that married woman that is taking up all his time, thus causing him to neglect our son. We need him for financial, emotional and physical support. Please pray that I will get a full time permanent job so that myself and kids can stop living from pay cheque to pay cheque. Removal of all generational curse and spiritual blockage on my life and kids life.
Thank you and god bless.
Jessie says
I am reaching out for prayer. For a little over a year now I have been very ill. I finally switched my primary care provider to a MD instead of a woman whom tried her best to help me. She is a PA, physicians assistant. Unfortunately, under her care, I have become so sick that I am barely holding onto my life. I have seen countless doctors and specialists over the past year and I have been to 5 different hospitals… I’m only 30. I have lost around 95 pounds since the beginning of this challenging battle. Thank goodness I was overweight when the symptoms started taking over my life last March. I want to live! I am now at a place where I have to catheterize myself to urinate, I struggle to keep hydrated because of the attacks of nausea and vomitting, my kidneys are now failing, and I could go on. Please pray for me that there will be healing and a doctor that will be able to correctly diagnose me so that I can get the treatment I need to survive and prosper to follow God’s plan for me. I am very scared but I place my trust in Jesus to help me keep my hope going strong. My family is nonexistant and the friends that I had dissapeared in May when the symptoms completely consumed my life. Thank you for your prayers and God Bless ~ Jessie
leah says
Jessie, I’m praying for you today. In fact, I felt so compelled by your request that I sent it to a group of prayer warriors and asked them to include you in their prayers this week. I know they will do just that. Although modern medicine doesn’t have the answer to your illness, God does. I’m asking the Lord to touch you with His healing power and restore your body to complete wholeness and strength. To renew your kidneys and bring hydration back into your body. To give godly wisdom to your doctors so they know how to treat you medically. Most importantly, I’m asking God to give you a greater awareness of His nearness so that you will experience His peace and calmness in the midst of this difficult storm. So that above all else, you will trust in Him.
Carolyn says
Thank you for offering to pray for us and for your devotional. I’ve run the roller coaster of ambition and now I am tired. I just want to want and do God’s plan for me. I don’t want to do it out of a “giving up” place but out of a place of obedience. I want it to be enough that I’ve pleased my Lord today. Prayers that I would do that more often than not. Thank you for the wonderful truths from God that you shared today. It breaths life into so many of us.
leah says
Carolyn, I can tell by your comments you love the Lord and long to do what is right in His sight. I’d say you’re a woman after God’s own heart. 🙂 I’m praying for you today!
Eva says
Thank you so much for the encouragement, I have been too much on the sidelines watching what others are doing, I pray that God will open my eyes and give me discernment to see ways in which I can achieve my divine purpose.
Thanks
Alicyn Keller says
I always wonder what direction God wants me to go in. I feel life is so mundane.
Monique says
Thank you so much for this post “Will I Ever Accomplish Something Great?” This was exactly where I was at, where I have been, and what I thought I was suppose to be asking. Your post and prayer has shone new light on me in the form of selfishness. I ask this question often, but what I have failed to realize is that I am asking because of what I want and because of my plans. I have left out God’s desires, designs and will for me.
What a beautiful post to gently remind me to humble and lessen myself before Him.
Carol says
When I saw the title of this yesterday, I knew I had to read it. Finally – I made time just now. It fits perfectly with what I was praying about this morning. As I concluded my prayer time (or so I thought), God gave me the perfect Scripture to read. Then He gave me your post to read. I am feeling overwhelmed this morning by God’s love and faithfulness. Thank you, Leah.
Fran says
Please pray that may know my purpose in life and my son , also. Thank-you!
Lori says
Hello,
This is the first time I visited proverbs website or your posts. I love this!
Prayer request that the book the Lord wants my husband and I to write will continue to burn a fire in our heart like it it did in the beginning of this journey. Doubt is creeping in even tho we have that inner light deep in our soul….knowing we have heard HIS voice. Increased faith.
Ruth says
I HAVE TOO MUCH OF EVERYTHING AND I HAVE A HARD TIME DECIDING WHAT TO KEEP AND WHAT TO GIVE AWAY. PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL GIVE ME GUIDANCE AND ENERGY TO DEAL WITH ALL OF THIS STUFF!!!!!!!!
Janet says
Leah,
Thank you for sharing this post. I have forgotten how important I am to God. I forget that He cares for me regardless of what I am doing, whether big or small, noticeable to others or not. Thank you for reminding me that the Lord cares for me and uses me even when I feel hidden.
Michelle says
God’s timing is so good! What wonderful words when I am in the midst of deciding between finishing schooling for a new degree or apply for a possible job opportunity that has presented itself. Thank you for your devotion, Leah!
leah says
Ann, I’m so glad you enjoyed my devotion. Thank you for leaving such encouraging comments. Your words made me smile.
Mary B says
Your words are a blessing to me!! Thank you so much Leah….God bless you.
leah says
Thank you, Mary! I’m so blessed to call you friend!
Milisa Allen says
Thank you for allowing our God to use you!! What an encouragement it is to be reminded our greatest ministeries are within the walls of our home.
Valerie Tavoa says
Dearest Leah, Thank God for sisters like you who have a heart to help us see our weaknesses. I’ve really lose track here, you know when you have financial hardships, and it seems to pull you off track. I have 4 teenage boys and one going 10 end of this month. I’m in a position where I don’t know if there will be food on the table for the next meal. The encouragement this morning really touched me. lightened my heart. I love the part “grateful heart, humble spirit & willingness of obedience.” It has given me hope to start again.
Please pray for me to start my assignments at home and to appreciate every part, and also pray that God will show me how to overcome my financial hardships. I need courage and strength. Thank you again. God bless.
leah says
Valerie, I’m praying that the Lord will guide your decisions and path as you raise your boys into great leaders for Him.
Tammy says
Oh what beautiful words for my heart. I was heartbroken this past week when my writing was rejected. I had taken a step of faith and I didn’t understand why God wanted me to do that. In the last few days He has shown me that my gift for words can be used in my job, with my family, and dear friends. God has binded my heart back together.
Alaina says
Your devotion resonated with me today. I forward it to a friend to encourage her, and to my husband so he could know where my heart is today. Thank you for capturing honestly what I have felt like lately!
Amy D. says
Your words were exactly the gentle reminder and encouragement I needed. Thank you so much.
Carla says
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement today. They helped to confirm some things in my mind and heart. Thank you!
Linda says
Leah, your words touched my heart and lifted me today thanks.
Karen says
Another reader in the same boat with you. Thanks for sharing so honestly thoughts with which so many of us wrestle. I have been a “still-at-home-mom” much longer than I anticipated! Many people have shared, “what you are doing is so important” messages with me, but I have felt frustrated that they can’t relate to these feelings of being on the sidelines. I have come to much the same conclusions as you have–you articulated them well! And now look, God is going to keep using you as you stay surrendered, whatever your circumstances. Good job!
Broken but not destroyed says
Thank you for the encouragement. Was feeling really down and depressed, this has lifted me up a whole lot.
Leigh Ellen says
Leah,
I just love your posts! They seem to speak to me directly! I, too, have fallen victim to looking at those around me and wanting to be more or be recognized more. I have been guilty of focusing on myself, my plans, my wants and my dreams instead of focusing on God and those He has placed in my life. My current place in life has me raising a 19 month old little boy and teaching 15 first graders, while also being a wife, daughter and friend. Being a mommy and working in a Christian school are indeed blessings – but indeed I need prayer – prayer to be led by God with wisdom, gentleness and a teachable spirit. Prayer that I stay in the Lord’s will and hear His voice everyday. Prayer that I am faithful to each of the responsibilities He has entrusted me with. Indeed – I just need the Lord in every step! Thank You! Praying for you also, today.
leah says
Leigh Ellen, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate! It’s wonderful to hear that God has entrusted you with little brilliant minds and sweet tender hearts. I pray that God fills you up with His joy and strength so that you can pour out His love to these little ones.
Noemi Davila-Fodoreanu says
Oh my Lanta…….Sister you have written a word straight from God for me!!!! When I got to the part of this devotion that says, As you tirelessly serve your family and sometimes wonder if anyone notices, be assured that God does. He sees you as His greatest asset! Your willingness to serve your family brings Him great joy, I just burst into tears. I am a newly wed for the third time but this time I am learning how to be a godly wife and mother and my stars. Thank you for sharing your heart and thank you for reminding me I am right where God wants me.
Margaret says
A really good word for me today! Thanks for sharing through P31!
Judy Battle says
Thank you so much for your encouragement. I am a pastor’s wife so people now me as that and I am the mother of two boys so people know me as so and so’s mom. At times I feel like I am standing on the sidelines cheering everyone on but I feel like that is it for my accomplishments. Thank you so much for showing me the truth.
Amber M. says
Right now I feel like I am failing at work. It has always come so naturally to me and now I just feel less than capable. I am trying to go easy on myself as I tend to beat myself up pretty hard. I want to do good work and be helpful and diligent. I am trying to wrap my mind around God has me right where he wants me and needs me to be for this part of His plan in my life. Daily I try to remember to commit my work to Him and that he will be with me and guide me no matter the situation or outcome. He has me in His hands. I pray that my flesh can feel at peace with where I am during this time and know that God has great things planned for me.
Amy W. says
I have often felt this way. But lately I feel as if GOD has been working on me . Please continue to pray for me and my family. By reading this this am I feel that every mother often feels lost in the world of on the go and lost in house work. But we often don’t look at GLORIOUS things GOD has given us. Have a BLESSED DAY.
Beth says
Thank you for your words today. I needed that encouragement. I always feel what I do is insignificant and unimportant, but God sees and knows what I do, and that is what matters.
Martha T. says
I appreciated the wisdom of your devotional. Thanks for sharing it!
Cynthia says
Leah: I have often wondered what my purpose is in this life God has given me. I pray for God to show me where I can be of service to him. Please enter me in the “Prayers for a Woman’s Soul” book giveaway.
Renee says
Oh, how I have been struggling in this area. Your blog spoke to me, and stepped on my toes for being selfish and not recognizing the great things God has allowed and equipped me to do. I lost my first teaching job after 20 years of working and it devastated me. God has used this to humble me yet he still allowed me to serve others all the while providing for all my needs. We serve a wonderful risen Savior and I am thankful for him and you. I shared your prayer with other sisters and Facebook friends today, but embellished it a little. I gave you credit so I hope you don’t mind.
Lord, help me to accomplish all the plans You’ve chosen for me. Give me wisdom and discernment to know what path You’ve laid out for me to follow. Thank you for creating me as Your masterpiece and may I delight in You as I serve my family, *friends and others* well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Your sister in Christ,
Renee
leah says
Renee, I’m so glad you shared the prayer with your Facebook friends today. I pray that it encourages and blesses them too. 🙂
Amy says
Thank you so much for this. It is just what I am feeling at this time in my life. Please pray for wisdom and understanding in living my life for the Lord. Blessings to you.
Stephanie says
Wow! This devotional is an answer to prayer for me. Like many of the other ladies who commented, I am feeling a little lost these days as my kids are growing up fast and don’t “need” me in quite the time-consuming ways they used to. I know they still look to their Mom for a lot of things, but it’s just different now, isn’t it? So I have been praying for direction, for “a work” that I can spend myself on. And I’m trying to be patient as I wait on the Lord. In the meantime, I sense that He’s asking me to say to myself every morning, “Today is a VERY important day.” Because it is! Or He wouldn’t have left me here on the planet to live it! And I am seeking to do exactly what you wrote about today, Leah … to serve Him and my family in loving, faithful ways, trusting that He is working His good through all of it. As Mother Theresa supposedly said, “Do small things with great love.”
Thank you for this encouragement today.
Jane says
This spoke to right where my teen daughter’s and my needs were today. Thank you and we would love your book.
Debra says
I have no doubt that it was divine intervention that lead me to your blog today. I always get the P31 daily devotionals and love them but yours really struck a chord with me today. We are having to help raise our granddaughter and I have gotten so weary with wanting an empty nest again but after reading your P31 then your post here, I realize once again that I AM doing God’s work with her as I did with my own children and the rewards will be far greater than any accolades the world could give.
Mary Kaiser says
Sign up for give away book today. Mary Kasiser
Ali says
Thank you for this! I need to memorize this verse to help remind me that I always have a purpose.
Jenny says
This devotion really blessed me – thank you! Please pray for my family as we are seeking the Lord regarding which college our daughter should attend in the fall. We want her to be where God wants her ( that’s her heart too, but she feels confused).
leah says
Jenny, our oldest son just went off to college so I know how challenging the process can be. I’m praying for your daughter today and trust God will position her at just the right college.
Kenia says
Thank you so much for your words, they have being an encoragement , i’ve been having such a bad attitude toward my family, i’ve been trying to find a job with no success, and deep inside i know god is telling me everything i do for my family to do it with love, for him. Thank you and please pray so i have a obedient heart.
leah says
Kenia, I’m praying God will open the right doors for a new job. Job hunting can be stressful, but remember that God is helping you every step of the way.
Rosemary says
Thank you, I really needed to hear this today! Lately I’ve been getting discouraged with work and life stresses and this really helped put things in perspective.
Lorilee Mundfrom says
I lost my husband suddenly last week. I have two adult sons (one has Down Syndrome). Please pray for us in this extra difficult time. My husband is rejoicing with the angels in heaven. Please do pray for us!
leah says
Lorilee, I’m so very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and I’m praying for you, sweet friend. I’m asking God to bring people into your life that can help during this difficult time of grief. Also, that you get the extra support you need for your adult son who has Down Syndrome.
Mandy says
I so often find myself asking this very same question! Thank you so much for your gentle reminder that even in the everyday we are fulfilling God’s calling!
Please pray for a continued healthy pregnancy (nearing my 2nd trimester) and for strength to continue plugging through the everyday calling, despite being excessively tired. I have three other amazing kiddos and a fabulous hubby that I want to continue to serve well 🙂
Bless you, sister!
Robin says
Please pray for my family as my parents are ill and to give me strength today as I try and help them out as much as I can.
leah says
Robin, I’m sorry to hear that your parents are ill and wanted you to know that I’m praying for your family today.
Jackie says
I would ask for prayers for our oldest grandchild who is about to graduate from college and is seeking to know the next steps he should take. Pray that he would look to God and God alone for the path to take.
Thank you for your words today!
Debra says
I wonder all the time what it is that God had in store for me to accomplish in this life of mine. I have yet to figure it out. I just try and do what I feel he wants me to each day. I am now a grandmother and stepmom. My life has taken so many turns and gone places I have never expected. But I know that HE is in control and that is all I need to know. I continually trust and lean on HIM to help me throught each and every day.
Mary Kaiser says
I too wonder why God allows so many things to happen in my life when I love Him so much but then remember He also tells me He will never leave me nor forsake me. I hope this helps you also. God is with us and will always hold us in the palm of His hand. Mary
carrie says
This touched my heart so much today. I was sitting in Traffic after dropping my girls off for school. One of my babies was extra sassy and I was feeling like a huge failure. I sat with tears tolling and feeling a peace because it’s just what I needed to read. Thank you for this.
Patricia says
So glad I read this this morning. Now I realize that I was already doing great things for God when I served ,loved and took care of my family and tithed my time to others. Thank You.
Linda Annear says
Leah I have a hard time commenting on things. I feel like I couldn’t possible have anything important to say that anyone would want to hear. But today God put it on my heart so strong to comment. I believe God want this for me today. I have been struggling with the feelings that there is no purpose for me.. I can’t seem to hear God or the Holy Spirit speak to me. I use to hear His gentle voice telling me He wanted me to do this or that. I would argue with Him but I always ended up obeying His word. Now I feel useless, empty. Like someone ripped my soul right out and left a gaping hole. Please pray for me and my family. And I believe this devotion would be perfect for me and 2 of my daughters. Thank you in advance and prayers for you your ministry and P31. God Bless
leah says
Linda, thank you for being so honest about your struggles. I’m so glad you decided to leave a comment so that I can be praying for you today. May God bless you and your family in many ways!
Amy says
Wow..just what I needed to be reminded of today! Gratitude to in the small things. .. Thank you! I am right where I am supposed to be!
Carman Shepard says
I am truly blessed i know but i need prayer raising my sons to be men. Im a grandmother. Of 1 granddaughter. With a grandson on the way lord help me in this time of need bless my family and household give me strength. Thank you for the encouragement. For today.
Deb says
It’s interesting the different translations of Prov 16:3; years ago I memorized it in KJV ‘Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.’ It was during a rough time in our marriage & God used this to spur me on to stay in the marriage & let Him do His work. There were times I wondered & asked God why? What are you doing? Are You doing anything? Thankfully, He worked His healing in each of us & He gave us and incredible love for Him & each other, resulting in several years of an amazing marriage. I’m so thankful God did ‘succeed’ in His healing of our lives & gave us great opportunities to serve together, pointing others to Him. I’d love to have a copy of the book to read & will pass it on so others can grow! Thanks so much!
Sandee Willshaw says
Your words today seemed like they were coming directly from my mouth! I so often question why God is not using me to spread the gospel message – thinking that this is my calling. But, indeed, when we serve others we are pleasing God. This is the ultimate service. God may not be calling some of us specifically to ministry – hence, I must be fully satisfied and remain focused on serving my family. This may very well be exactly what He wants me to be doing. Thank you, Leah, for your words today – this is exactly the message that I have needed to hear for a long time!
Virginia says
I am always surprised when I get ready to leave a comment by the number of women who have commented before me. Why? Because when I read these things, I always feel like you were talking just to me. Isn’t God grand to know exactly what we need at the exact moment we need it? I’m an empty nester and have been for quite some time. One of the issues I struggle with is looking back on how I raised my children and managed my home and how I wish I had done things differently. I tell myself if only…my son, who is not living for the Lord, would be a mighty man of God, but like most of us, one cannot go back and change things, using all the little cliches we all know, but all I can do is pray for my son that God will bring him to Himself in His time and in His way and last, but by no means least, I need to keep “my hand to the plow and not look back.” Thank you for listening to the Lord’s leading in what you write to us. I know I for one and truly grateful.
leah says
Praying for your son is the very best thing you can do for him right now. I love the promise God gives us in James 5: 16, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Your prayers are not wasted.
Susan says
I am struggling with the empty nest and my purpose in life now. I haven’t been able to secure a job in my field. Please pray for me to understand God’s will for me.
leah says
Susan, I’m sure the empty next is a big transition and takes time. I’m praying for you today – asking God to show you what’s next along your journey with Him.
Dorea Schmidt says
God is so amazing!!! He already had plans for us before we were even born:) We are His masterpiece! Thank you for the reminder:) I have five kids ages 19, 16, 14, 11 and 5… And many times I have felt like I need to be accomplishing great things.. But raising these children and pouring love into them is doing great things for Him:) I also work in a daycare and get to show His love to the babies:) God is so good, looking forward to seeing the opportunities that He places before me today:)
Luanda says
Thank you Leah for sharing what the Lord has placed on your heart. As a homemaker and homeschool mom of three very, very active boys, I can get so overwhelmed and start throwing a pity party for myself. I’ve wondered, too, how God can use someone like me (especially if my eyes are on others and not on Him). But God is using me. He has placed me right where He wants me and is using me for His purpose and for His glory. Thank you again for the encouragement.
Cece says
Good morning,
This devotion was for me. I’ve been praying for a breakthrough for the past 6 months. Currently I am a social worker and I feel like it is not enough . I’ve applied to many different jobs and have even tried to go back to school. Everything has been a no so far. I pray that God gives me the ability to discern his voice when he speaks to me. I also pray that he helps me understand that this is the plan he has for me at this time and I must be grateful for where he has brought me and where he plans to take me . I don’t want to lose my faith, so please pray that my relationship with God continues to grow stronger day by day . I want to commit all i do to him. Thank you for this devotion. I needed it.
leah says
Cece, thank you for sharing your concerns with me. I am praying for you today and trust that God will guide you along the path He has for you (Psalm 25:4-5).
Pamela says
At sixty I find myself trying to find the straight path to follow. Life changes have left me unsure of my direction. Should I go a different way or find rest in God through the familiar? Today i leave for a car trip two states away. I have not been in a car for more than a couple of hours in seven years due to a painful disability i developed and I am worried about whether I can successfully travel with my husband and then babysit our grandchildren for four days. I am asking for prayer that my pain will be manageable and that our first vacation in seven years will accomplish much in our marraige and family life. Yesterday our twenty-something son who moved back in with us after college broke his wrist. Praying for him also. Thanks. Would love a copy of this book.
leah says
Pamela, I’m praying for your safe travels and wonderful memories during your vacation. I hope the long ride doesn’t cause you a lot of pain and discomfort. Also praying for your son…so sorry to hear he broke his wrist. I’m sure your grandchildren can’t wait to see you!
Lauren says
I am really new to Gods Word, and am learning steadily each day. Your post today comes at a great time, when I am struggling with so many things that it is hard to see that God has a plan for me (yes, even me?). Thank you for your words today.
Pamela Tyler says
It is so refreshing to know that I am not alone. Please pray for my strength when I began to feel I am of no use to the Lord. As Jeremiah 29:11 states, God has plans for me, but I do at times become discouraged. I look forward to fulfilling those plans. Thank you for sharing your life journey with us.
leah says
Pamela, my prayer is that you will continue to trust in the Lord with all your heart and acknowledge Him in all your ways so that He will make your path straight. I have no doubt you will fulfill those plans He has for you.
Kristi says
I am blessed with five children ages 6 1/2 and under. It’s so amazing, yet so taxing at times. I feel very stretched and very blessed, sometimes within the same hour! I’ve struggled with isolation and depression and mood swings, along with feelings of “How could God love me so much to bring me these gifts???”
Katy says
Thank you for the reminder that no matter how small our responsibilities are they are ordained and important to God. As a new mother to be I am flooded with emotion surrounding my new role as a mom but I know I have been blessed and called for this job. Reading your words from P31 today filled me with joy as I look to serve my new and budding family.
Lori says
I have found my self in this same place many times in my life. Like you, I believe my starring role was that of motherhood. The production has allowed me to grow and learn along the way and this continues today. I am currently entering yet another scene of motherhood. My beautiful daughter will be graduation from a Christian college with an RN degree. Although the next step for her is undecided, I know that she has a heart seeking her Father’s will and I find peace in that. My tender hearted, athletic son is graduating from high school in June then off to Marine Corp boot camp in July. He has joined the reserves as part of his service to God and Country. He too will enter a Christian college in Jan. 2015. The past few weeks, I have struggled with “where do I go from here?”. My thinking has been that my mothering role is over since often I am sitting alone in the evening and no one seems in need of me. After reading todays devotions, I feel not like I am at a final curtain call, but rather, that I am at intermission. My prayer is that I find myself refreshed and renewed and ready to move ahead, as I know my children are certainly not done needing me and I am certainly not done being that which God has called me to do.
leah says
Lori, you certainly have done an amazing job raising your children. They are accomplishing great things already in their young careers. I’m praying for them and also for you. God has something wonderful planned in your journey ahead with Him.
Leslie Kirby says
Giveaway entry
Karen says
This blog brought tears to my eyes. I am going to work on those very things you wrote about in your devotion: a grateful heart, a humble spirit, and a willingness of obedience. Life is so busy and can be hard, but if we focus on Christ and not ourselves, He will give us the grace and mercy to get through those trying moments.
Karrie Utz says
This year for me is about refocusing, which means (to me) more about living for God with an awareness of His constant presence than my own thoughts and needs. Health and physical wellness, making my body his temple is a huge focus. He’s already done that, but I know I can represent Him better if my temple is healthy. Prov. 16:3 is just what I needed today. I’m going to trust that He has me where he needs me and is with me as guiding me to take actions that He has willed.
Sarah says
I am blessed with three wonderful children plus six in heaven (miscarriage and stillbirth). I’ve learned to juggle their schedules and balance our day to day life. But I need prayer just to keep up with the ever changing dynamics and needs they have personally, emotionally, and spiritually
leah says
Sarah, I’m so sorry about your miscarriage and stillbirth. That must been extremely difficult for your entire family. I’m praying for you and your family today!
Cecilia says
I believe God has called me to be an exporter, a mentor. I had just finished a mentoring training at the women’s ministry in our church in order to help other women grow in The Lord. As out training went, I felt anxious if I will be able to teach and guide my mentee. My confidence is not there with a lot of what ifs. Can I be a role model but I’m a great sinner. Can give enough time to meet with my mentee regularly while I living a busy career and family life?
Please pray for me. I need courage and confidence to do this. I need the Holy Spirit’s power to lead me and speak the words He wants me to say and guide the way The Lord wants this mentorship to go. I need to continue and learn more in my own spiritual relationship, walk more closer with God, be guided, encouraged, need of wisdom and confidence to share and speak God’s word according to His will.
leah says
Cecilia, what a wonderful opportunity to mentor someone in your church! I can tell by your words that your heart’s desire is to be lead by God and filled by His Spirit. That’s certainly a prayer God will say yes to. Remember, God doesn’t call the equipped – He equips those He calls. Rest in the assurance of knowing He will provide what you & your mentor need at just the right time.
Sharon Gingerich says
I’m sharing this on FB because I have lots of young mom friends who would benefit from your words right now. Prayer request: that I could see my boys’ “interruptions” to my days work, as an opportunity to accomplish my highest call, raising boys to become men for Jesus. Thank you for your words!
leah says
Sharon, I know those “interruptions” can sometimes leave us moms frustrated, but a day will come when the house will become quiet and we’ll miss those interruptions…along with the toys and shoes laying all over the floor. 🙂
Ann Agama says
Sis Leah, I was so blessed this morning after reading this piece, ‘Will I Ever Accomplish Something Great?’, that I could not hold my tears. I never knew that someone could paint a picture that truly depicts my position in my family. I thank God that I am being used to accomplish something in my family all by God’s grace. I pray to always be grateful and never complaining. Indeed I have been encouraged for today. Thank you.
leah says
Ann, I’m so glad you enjoyed my devotion. Thank you for leaving such encouraging comments. Your words made me smile.