Yesterday, someone asked me this question and it hit home. As parents, especially single parents, we often spend a lot of our time worrying about the future. On my end, I have spent the majority of my time thinking about what the future holds for my child and it often leaves me even more anxious than is necessary or required.
I have consistently exhausted myself by worrying about tomorrow yet the Bible reminds us to “consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! Luke 12: 24 (ESV). This gem of Scripture is there to remind us that He who formed us in our mother’s wombs knew us. He knows what our future holds, He knows why He placed us where we are, He only asks that we trust Him and the process. And in the process, there is movement.
Fear Paralyzes us
Have you ever been so paralyzed by fear, anxiety, and worry that you find no joy in the space you are currently in? Do you often find yourself pointing out all the negative issues and find it difficult to see any good? Are you too anxious to really “see” and enjoy your children? I stand to ask the very same question, are you sitting in the waiting room of the future?
God’s part and Our part
God, in His graciousness, is ready and willing to carry it all for you. On your part, you must be willing to let go and surrender. That may take the form of some of the following things:
• Acknowledge that you don’t have all the answers in this parenting journey and partner with Him in the process. After struggling with various disciplinary concerns with my child, I remind myself that I am just but a custodian, so I humble myself and go back to Him.
• Be faithful even in the little things at work, at school, in your business – wherever you are placed. You may not enjoy the season at that particular time but it is in our faithfulness that we honour and serve God. As the Bible says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” God, will consider this and propel you to even greater things.
A friend once told me to wake up each morning and ask God, ” How can I serve you today?” This little phrase challenges me to consistently be aware of my ministry on earth.
• Finally, renew your mind. I heard this so often but never really considered what it truly means. In my understanding, it has led me to consistently ask God to fill me with the Holy Spirit so that he guides me when I stumble. It has taught me to focus on reversing the narrative that the devil wants me to believe regarding who I am and whose I am. It has taught me to slow down on exhausting myself with my thoughts and learning how to surrender.
Conclusion
So my questions to you today is,
“Are you losing sight of today waiting for tomorrow? Are you in the waiting room of the future? “
Be present, trust in God and lean not on your own understanding. He has got this! After all, He is THE manufacturer, He knows how to fix it when it’s broken.
And as we always say,
broken crayons still colour!
