God's reminders

Mr E. is on a business trip this week, so since I am unemployed, I get to accompany him.  I am currently sitting at Starbucks and I just finished working on some of my Bible study lessons that I was behind in.  These lessons that I did today were perfect reminders to me.

A couple of weeks ago someone approached me about helping out with a certain ministry.  It was interesting timing because I had just been talking with Mr. E about wanting to get involved with some type of ministry, I just didn't know what direction to go in.  I was told to pray about it, which I have been doing.  However, one of the things that holds me back when I'm approached with things like these are my own insecurities.  I begin to feel that I am so inadequate for things like this.  Why me, what can I offer?  I'm just little ol' me, nothing special.  I'm sure there are more qualified people.

Today's Bible study was a God's gentle reminder to me.....ok, maybe a swift kick in the pants instead.

First reminder:
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you and before you were born I consecrated you.  (My name Elizabeth means consecrated to God) He planned out a purpose for me even before I was conceived. I don't need to worry about it.

Two examples, David (Goliath) and Elijah (prophets of Baal) were given seemingly insurmountable assignments.  However, God had prepared them both ahead of time for accomplishing His will in each of these events.  He gives us the strength in our weaknesses.  Phil 4:19 "My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."  God has enough grace to get us through anything He places in front of us!  2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness".  Paul goes onto say in that verse, "Most gladly therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."  I know that I would rather feel weak in my strength and let God's power take over instead too!

Second reminder:
2 Chronicles 20

Not only does he prepare us ahead of time for the things that He has planned, he already has a plan in mind before He calls us.  So often if something comes up in my life that I have to deal with, I sit and try to figure out how it is all going to work out.  This reminder was great.....God already has it all worked out.  My job, trust that He will work it out.

In 2 Chronicles 20, Judah was about to be invaded by Moab and Ammon.  Jehoshaphat was afraid, but in verse 3 it says, he turned his attention to seek the Lord.  He prayed to the Lord in verse 6, "Power and might are in Your hand, so that no one can stand against you." Verse 12, "For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You".  In verse 15 through 17 is God's response.  Here are some quotes from that section that stood out to me, "for the battle is not yours but God's" and "stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf".  Look what happened when a fearful Jehoshaphat turned his eyes to the Lord.  God comforted him and told him that He was in control.  Jehoshaphat didn't have to run around panicking, wondering how they were going to fight.  God already had a plan to solve the problem.  Because of Jehoshaphat's weakness, God's power shown through.  He goes before us in everything!

These were great reminders to me this morning........now to just remember them!