Sometimes a devotion just hits me head on..

I just got done reading my Proverbs 31 Devotion.

It definitely hit me this morning.  The verse of the day is..

 ²⁰And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 28:20 (King James Version)

Some of the examples today where..

Are you worried about your ability to be a good mother? Do the work.

Are you struggling with debt and financial issues? Do the work.

Do you want to eat healthier, commit to regular exercise or lose weight? Do the work.

Ok.. yes.. I struggle with each of these daily!  I worry about my ability to homeschool and feel like a failure most days.  I get all irritated and anxiety builds fast.  Finances are never ending.. just never gets easier in that area.  My health??  I have been so frustrated with that, I have just stuck it on the back burner.  It isn't helping me when I shove it aside.  It is only getting worse! 

Make no mistake: sometimes the work will be hard. Note that our verse today didn't say "Lay around and hope things get better." The challenge we face is not in focusing on how hard the work is, but in seeking the God who has promised to show up as we work. We offer our best efforts and trust that He will multiply them. We will see Him supply the words, the resources, the energy, the time, the patience, the grace we need. But first we must do the work. Just like the priests had to first step into the water before the Jordan could part in Joshua 3:15-16, so we must begin working before we can see the solution appear.

What work do you need to start doing—or keep doing—no matter how discouraged or disheartened you feel? I pray that you will see Him at work on your behalf today as you do the work He has called you to do. Do the work, and He will be with you.

As I copy this and re-read, I also realize something else.  How often do I ask the Lord for guidance in these areas?  I pray when others are hurting, when others have needs or requests, but I rarely pray for my struggles.  Somehow I think that maybe I don't deserve the help?  I know that sounds foolish but it is something I struggle with daily.  I tend to be alot harder on myself.  It gets me nowhere.  So those are areas I need desperately to work on.  I guess I should start with prayer and then do the work that needs to be done. 

All italics are copied from the Proverbs 31 Devotions.