How often have you said those words? I don't think I can count all the times I've said them. “I only have two hands!” That's an accompanying line. So is, “I only have so much time!”
All the above sentences are true. We can't do everything. We do only have two hands. And we do only have so much time.
Me? I have a cup with a crowing rooster on it. Giving an all too true glimpse into my mornings, the writing on the cup states: “I can rise and shine—just not at the same time!”
Likewise, I can have time alone with the Lord and in His Word, make the meals and prepare the week's supply of make-ahead breakfast foods, do the laundry and dishes, take a walk, paint the bathroom in our newly purchased house, put up curtains over the freshly washed window frames in the newly painted rooms. I can do all that—just not at the same time—or in one day.
Yet, work has to be accomplished on a daily basis. For our house, when it came time to paint, I realized that, while I can paint, I couldn't paint all the rooms and simultaneously clean, unpack boxes, and prepare for necessary updates all within our window of time! I really just couldn't. Nonetheless, there was a time pressure. But God was merciful: He sent marvelous helpers through our door with paint, brushes, and rollers in hand! What a blessing that I didn't need to do it all!
We quote Philippians 4:13 which says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” In general, we truly give our all to do it all. However, sometimes we might wonder if we have enough faith to see things through to completion when they feel so impossible. We get frustrated when our performance, strength, or abilities fall short.
Let's face it: We're not God, nor has He equipped us for accomplishing every single thing.
Here's some encouragement. We can do everything God asks of us. God gives us the strength for that, but only one step at a time.
Still, some days are so full for many of us. Our one day's “everything to-do” list boasts great expectations not even possible in three weeks' time, let alone a 24-hour period of time.
Add various life situations such as working outside the home or chauffeuring your children to and from school, sports, and music practices and events—or a family member becomes ill—or a combination of these. Everything adds up.
Trying to do everything will easily bring frustration, fatigue, and internal and external fighting. It could also yield anxiety, which spirals into depression or bitterness if left unchecked. Tears may flow, or remain trapped inside. Angry words may spew or be repressed.
What about you? What has God given you to do today for which He is strengthening you in Christ Jesus? Thank Him for it, and ask Him to help you. He will, and you will find peace while applying those two hands of yours to whatever you can get done in a day.
So settle down and slow down. Rest. Stay in the Word. Spend time praising God for His presence, provision, and protection. Ask Him for wisdom and discernment.
Recall your true priorities, and evaluate what needs to be done right away and what (or who) can wait. Trust God to order your everythings. He enables us to will and work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13) in His good timing (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Psalm 31:15).
God bless you in the work He has for you!
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
(Ephesians 2:10)
Copyright 2024 by M.G. “Trudy” Granstrom Seward
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