March 2009 Devotionals

March 23, 2009

When You Find Yourself Feeling Inadequate

A conversation with Elizabeth Rice Handford

Do you ever feel inadequate to do something someone expects of you?

I don’t mean the little stuff, like shooting a par 4 on the golf course,

Or making a flaming baked Alaska cake for a birthday party,

Or choosing the right blouse to match your new suit.

I mean the really important stuff,

Like teaching a cherished child right from wrong,

Or finding the right home to buy in a tumultuous market,

Or fulfilling a responsibility that impacts your whole community,

Or even, perhaps, facing a new aspect of your job that requires new skills—

A woman does have enormously important, eternally important tasks to accomplish. I—and probably you, too—often feel inadequate. It’s a scary feeling to have something expected of you that you are not sure you can do.

Find comfort from the great Apostle Paul, who found himself in exactly that situation. He had what he called, “a thorn in the flesh.” It might have been a physical handicap, or perhaps a bad relationship. At any rate, he felt like he could not possibly do what God had called him to do as long as that thorn was there. He felt it was a messenger sent from Satan, to torment him.

So three times, probably in three extended seasons of prayer, Paul prayed that God would take his handicap away. No, Jesus said, his infirmity was not from Satan; it was from Him, the One who’d loved him so much He died to rescue him.   “No, Paul. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness."   Paul’s weakness was actually a blessing from God, because it was better to have God’s power in the hardest of circumstances, than his own puny resources.

How did the Apostle Paul’s respond? He said he’d be actually glad to be so weak, just so he would have the power of the Lord Jesus in his life!

Here’s the story, from 2 Corinthians 19:7-10:

There was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to buffet me. . . For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. . . for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Thank God that when we are weak, then are we truly strong, because that’s when we experience the incredible strength and wisdom of Christ in our lives! May you find it so today!

March 16, 2009

Mayfield’s Banana Split Ice Cream

A Conversation with Elizabeth Rice Handford

A friend of ours works with a ministry for women in recovery from drugs, or liquor, or perhaps theft. In this home they get real, lasting help as they come to know Christ and His enduring help in their temptations. But often they are there by court order, and though they are glad not to be in prison, they still find it hard to be away from home and family.

One young woman was finding it especially difficult. “You know the first thing I’m gonna do when I get out of here?” she asked. “I’m gonna buy me a whole half gallon of Mayfield banana split ice cream.”

The girls all laughed sympathetically. Each of them had some memory of home that they longed experience again, just as she did.

The next morning a woman, a friend of the ministry, walked hesitantly into the reception area of the home. “I feel really stupid about this,” she explained. “I don’t understand this at all.” She held out a plastic grocery bag. “I know you are going to think it’s silly, too, but I think the Lord told me to do this. . . . Anyhow, “ she said desperately, “I felt like God told me to buy this Mayfield banana split ice cream and bring it here. I bought enough for all of you.”

She flushed when the group of young women standing nearby burst into laughter. She was already feeling diffident about her errand, and their response really embarrassed her.

“Mayfields!” one gasped.

“Banana split ice cream!” screamed another.

“It’s yours,” another said. “God sent it to you!”

The girl who had wished for the ice cream turned with gratitude to the woman. “Thank you, thank you. If God cares this much about me, then I think I can make it!”

Can you imagine what that gift of ice cream did for the young woman struggling with temptation? She learned her Heavenly Father was intimately concerned with her needs and her longings. His unexpected gift gave her tangible hope for the future.

But imagine, too, the joy of the woman who followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit in her heart, even when it seemed absolute foolishness to her. She was truly an instrument of God’s grace!

March 9, 2009

Sometimes Courage Alone Isn’t Enough

A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Handford

So many difficulties and heartaches have assaulted some of our friends in recent days—children with extreme health problems, loved ones with unbearable financial pressures, illnesses and tragic deaths—it’s been so hard to understand. And somehow, it seems strange that they would face all this when they are committed to serving God with all their hearts.

With each new burden, we’ve tried to say, “Take courage! You can face this!” But sometimes courage alone isn’t enough.   Sometimes the difficulties simply cannot be solved just by gritting our teeth and trying to cope. There’s really only one answer, and thank God, He Himself is the One who gives it to us:

“ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, ‘Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:. . . . Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not: for I am with thee.’” -Isaiah 43:1-5

Your Heavenly Father promises you that you will not be overwhelmed when trouble comes, because He will be in the midst of it with you. You don’t have to bravely endure, or be courageous. All you have to do is rest and take comfort in what God promised us in His Word—and, as my Daddy used to say, “God is a gentleman, so He always keeps His Word!” What more do we need?

God wraps up this promised in Isaiah 41:10:

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

May God be with every one of you dear people as you go through your own specific trials; may you be conscious of God’s presence and love every day—no, every hour, every minute of the day!

-Walt & Libby Handford