Things That Keep Me Dependant ...

Today began earlier than expected and as I dwell on the events of my early morning (4am), I can't help but think that it is in these times that I am reminded of my need for dependance in/on Christ. Why is it that way too often we get into (as my younger neices and nephews have all learned early to say) to " do it myself". With my mouth I encourage the women I meet with to stop doing it "in their own strength". I encourage them to abide, to lean on, to depend on and to be plugged into the one true life source - Jesus Christ. And yet, when I said that during this morning's appointment, I heard the very same words being whispered back to me.

Therefore, I am choosing this moment to be thankful for the things that keep me dependant on Christ. That is, the very weaknesses that keep HIS grace being sufficient to me. Some of the "things that keep us dependant" that I have recently heard from others, or I have personally experienced are:

1. When I feel intense pain and grief over the memories and the "Crappy anniversaries" of when my marriage ended ... I need to depend on Jesus.

2. When my teenager tells me he no longer wants anything to do with God ... I need to depend on Jesus.

3. When my small children keep me up all night ... I need to depend on Jesus.

4. When my daughter is caught stealing and her grades are slipping ... I need to depend on Jesus.

5. When I have no answer for the grieving widow who sits crying in the office ... I need to depend on Jesus.

6. When I go to pay the mortgage and the money is not there ... I need to depend on Jesus.

7. When its been weeks since my husband and I have been intimate .. I need to depend on Jesus.

8. When no matter how hard I try, I cannot sleep through the night .. I need to depend on Jesus.

9. When I am lonely and feel like no one understands ... I need to depend on Jesus.

10. When I am overwhelmed with the pain or regret ... I need to depend on Jesus.

Thank you Father for all the experiences that keep us dependant on you.
May we learn to be dependant on you each moment of the day. To remember what is true, that you are with us holding on to us tight. That your promises for us are for good, and that we are never asked to "do it myself". May we be plugged into you the true vine. Amen

That's all for now

Jacqueline