This line from “Finding Nemo” is so common among born-again believers, and I must admit, I’m guilty of speaking them to myself! For the past few months, I’ve been “pressed beyond measure” (2 Corinthians 1:8 [NKJV]), but it has been my own fault. This writing thing takes a lot of time, especially if you write historical fiction. There is so much research to do! I mean, what do I know about traveling across the ocean on a ship in the 1800s? Not much! So, every spare minute I’m writing, and it puts pressure on every other aspect of my life—but it’s my choice.
However, recently another issue has jumped onto my plate. I didn’t ask for it. I didn’t want it, but there it is, and I must deal with it. I want to tell the Lord, “I can’t do this!” You see, I’m just the opposite of the title! I don’t have Nemo’s “can do” attitude! I’m old! I’m tired! I’m too busy! I don’t want to!
But it must be done.
ENTER: 2 Corinthians 4:7 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.”
Yesterday, after teaching three lessons in the morning, rushing down the road to teach three classes with my beloved seventh and eighth graders (that sounds snarky—they are loved, just not always easy to teach), I rushed home to take a twent- minute power nap because I awoke with worry at 4:00 AM, and then, I jumped into the car and raced up the mountain to do the opening for our church children’s club, a newly acquired task. I was so tired. I wanted to cry. But then a strange thing happened—2 Corinthians 4:7!!!
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.”
Don’t miss it! God’s power takes over and we do what we think is impossible! On the way home, I realized I had just experienced that power. He took this broken-down, old lady and revived her to do that task! Hallelujah!
Don’t miss those moments, dear reader! We read about George Mueller’s amazing stories of God intervening in a BIG way, and we miss the seemingly LITTLE ways that He does the same for us!
I decided to memorize this verse and verse eight as well. I can’t tell you (oh, I think I already have before!) how much is gained by memorizing God’s Word. And, I’ll pull the “Old Age Wisdom” card—I have learned this from experience!
WARNING! TOE-CRUSHING STATEMENT AHEAD!
Sometimes we don’t experience this because we won’t step out in faith and do what we don’t WANT to do or what we think we CAN’T do. How do I know? Because I’ve done it!
There are people in this world that can repeat Paul’s words:
“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life.” I’m not one of them, and you probably aren’t either, but will you take this challenge and step out to do something little for God, like clean the church, plant a flower, shovel a sidewalk, volunteer for nursery, make a meal…
They may seem like little things, and we may never see the results this side of heaven, but maybe—just maybe—you will have the joy of watching a grandson follow your example! I don’t know about you, but THAT is a BIG thing in my book!
Beyond Common Sense 