Proverbs 31 Womans Devotional - Encouragement for Today

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Encouragement 11-01-04

 

November 1, 2004
Encouragement for Today

Who Do You Trust?
Glynnis Whitwer, Senior Editor P31 Woman, Speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries, editor@proverbs31.org

Key Verse:

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."  Psalm 20:7 (NIV)


Devotion:

It was a warm autumn night as I watched my sons practice football.  Three other mothers and I lounged in our chairs, alternately glancing at the practice to make sure we saw the tackles and passes, and discussing the frustration of preparing dinner on busy weeknights.

As we talked a bit more, I discovered that all three of them worked full-time outside their homes.  These devoted moms really wanted to prepare nutritious meals, but it was all they could do to race home from work, grab a quick snack and then race to practice.  After practice, they returned home exhausted and grabbed another snack item.

When the conversation turned to me, I shared that because I work part-time from home I was able to make an early dinner.   After that, each lady expressed her desire to be home during the day, and in almost the same breath, declared why she couldn't do it.  My heart broke with compassion because I saw the sense of helplessness in their words and facial expressions.  It was as if they were resigned to a full-time job, and that was that. 

My three football-practice friends are like hundreds of thousands of women across the country who wish they could stay home but don't think it's possible.  All they see is one obstacle after another.  They see a mountain of debt, the problem of health insurance, a child's empty college fund, an unsupportive spouse or a workplace that "needs" them.

What these women don't see is a God who can handle all those obstacles.  Instead of trusting God to provide, they work harder and longer to make ends meet.  But the ends just get farther apart.  

Psalm 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."  Although that was written thousands of years ago, I wonder if we sometimes underestimate God's capabilities and trust in our own "horses" and "chariots."   We may have a head-knowledge about trusting God, but in reality, we trust in a company, our physical strength, or our intelligence.

I've found that sometimes God waits for us to make the first move, believing that He will take care of us.  Exodus chapter 14 tells of the Israelites escape from the Egyptian army.  As the Israelites get to the edge of the sea with over 600 chariots on their heels, they are terrified, cry out to God, and complain to Moses.  They are so afraid of the future that they express a desire to be back in slavery in Egypt.

God's answer makes me smile. "Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on." (Exodus 14:15 NIV)   I smile because we too can stand complaining, resigned to a situation we don't like, while God is waiting for us to move in faith.

Is God asking you to trust Him today?  Is He saying to you, "I've heard your cries; I know you want to be home.  It's now time for you to move on and make it happen"?

I once heard someone say, "If your problem is too big, then your God is too small."   If God has placed a longing in your heart to be home, then I invite you to trust that He is able to make it work.  This doesn't mean you'll win the lottery, but He will make a way.   Choose today to trust in the name of God, instead of horses and chariots.


My prayer for today

Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your awesome power and love.  I confess that I have trusted in my own strength at times.  Thank you for making a way back into fellowship with you.   In Jesus name, Amen.


Application Steps:

If you long to be home, start by asking God for His help.  Make a list of all the obstacles that you think stand in your way of being home.  Commit to praying for these issues.  Then, address each obstacle and make a plan to overcome each one.  Get wise biblical counsel or professional help where necessary.

Reflection points:

Psalm 20 talks about trusting in horses and chariots instead of God.  What are some examples of horses and chariots in your life?

Why do we choose to trust in things other than God? 

When have you seen God's hand provide for your basic needs? 

Why do you think God sometimes waits for us to make the first move?

If you were going to take the first step towards working from home, what would that be?

Visit www.transitionhome.org if God is calling you to leave the workplace.  This web site is a Christian ministry designed to walk you through the process of leaving the traditional workplace and then help you be successful at home, including replacing income through working from home.


Power Verses:

"And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in Him and in Moses his servant."  Exodus 14:31 (NIV)

"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9: 9-10 (NIV)

"Praise be to the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." Psalm 28: 6-7 (NIV)

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NIV)

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13  (NIV)


Additional Resources:

P31 Woman Magazine by Proverbs 31 Ministries
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/p31woman.html

Living Life on Purpose by Lysa TerKeurst
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/livinglife.html

Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God by Sharon Jaynes
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/womanlistens.html



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