Jeremiah 12:5a “If you have run with footmen and they have tired you out, then how can you compete with horses?”

STAY ON THE PORCH

How soon we complain, right?  We fuss about the smallest stuff.  We scream how unfair life is, even over the smallest things.  This verse is telling us something profound, if we will just listen.  How can we expect the Lord to use us in great things if we can’t be trusted in the small?  How can the Lord prepare us for the biggest battles to come if we grow weary in the small ones?

What “challenge” have you complained about lately?  Come on now.  I know you have complained.  We all do, but to no avail.  The sad thing about a pity party is you are the only one who shows up.  Stop complaining.  Look at this trial as a means for God to prepare you for greater challenges.  “Thanks Carl, that’s not really encouraging!”  Oh, but it is.

TEACHING MOMENT

Do you challenge your kids to succeed?  Do you push them a little to achieve what you know they are capable of?  The next time you are working extra hard on those basketball drills with little Johnny or listening to Susie practice her piano, remember the Lord is also pushing you to do much more than you think.

We need to remind our children during those “challenging times” that the Lord is going to push them, too.  But reassure them that He will only “push them” as far as He knows they can go.  God will never ask us to do more than we are capable.

So, are you on the porch or running with the dogs?  Are you tired from just running with the footmen?  Or are you ready to take on the Kentucky Derby winner?  With the Lord on our side – no – with the Lord in us, we can accomplish impossible things.

Father, you are my strength!  I am nothing but a weakling, of myself.  But because of Your Holy Spirit living in me, You can ask me to do anything for You.