“…for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Do you ever feel completely inadequate for the job of parenting? I sure do.
I take comfort in the fact that I am supposed to feel inadequate. The truth is, I can’t do anything. But God can do everything, and “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).
My daughter Bethany and I are reading David Platt’s book, Radical, together. These excerpts were particularly encouraging to me (the emphases are mine):
“This is the design of God among His people. He is giving unlikely people His power so it is clear who deserves the glory for the success that takes place.”
“…the resources of heaven are ready and waiting for the people of God who desire to make much of Him in this world.”
“It is the way of Christ. Instead of asserting ourselves, we crucify ourselves. Instead of imagining all the things we can accomplish, we ask God to do what only He can accomplish. Yes, we work, we plan, we organize, and we create, but we do it all while we fast, while we pray, and while we constantly confess our need for the provision of God. Instead of dependence on ourselves, we express radical desperation for the power of His Spirit, and we trust that Jesus stands ready to give us everything we ask for so that He might make much of our Father in the world.”
My awareness of my weakness drives me to God. I can’t be a mother (or anything else) without His strength. When I’m willing to trust Him, God will equip me with all that I need to do the jobs that He has given me to do. I don’t need to worry about how inadequate I am. I just need to obey. My weakness, bolstered by His grace, is the vehicle He has chosen to make His glory obvious.
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