I desire to help people, but I’ve come to the realization that most of the time there is nothing I can do in my own strength and that is when I have to be willing to simply step back and allow God to do what I am incapable of. I want to be there for everyone but that’s not what God called me to, If I could be there for everyone, they would never see how God is fighting for and pursing them. I could settle for helping people the best way I know how and jiping them of the blessing and gift of allowing God to help and fight for them or choosing to step aside and allow God to do far more for them than I ever could? So what will I choose? I choose to lay down my pride and settle for being the shadow behind God Almighty. Stand in a shadow I do not even deserve or am worthy of standing in. Forgive me father for the times I have sought to be the savior or helper in situations I was never meant to be. I am honored to have the opportunity to point people to You every single time. Thank You for being comforter, strength, peace and so much more for every single one of your children so I do not have to even try to do so. I am honored to get to partner with You through prayer and that when I am incapable, I get to point them to You who is capable every time!
The piece you just read was a journal entry I wrote and wanted to share with you all. Although I knew these things, I needed to take the step of truly believing them. In high school I was the friend that always wanted to have just the right piece of advice or wisdom to share. I often would find myself tired and burned out from trying to fix all my friends’ problems or encourage them when things where hard. I would wear myself out carrying the burden of making peace and being the best supporter, I could. If only I had recognized that it was ok to not have all the answers, to not be able to help everyone or make things better. How different would have my life been in high school if I recognized it is actually better for me to not have all the answers because the only option is God! What would it have looked like if I didn’t try carrying the burden that wasn’t mine to carry? Sometimes there just was not anything I could do for my friends. In reality, the best thing I could ever do for them was giving their situations to the Father and show them that God cares and is fighting for them.
During my senior year someone once told me I should look into becoming a counselor, I said no way. I would never be able to handle the burden of hearing hurting people’s hearts all the time. But that’s just the thing I don’t need to carry their burdens. I get to listen but at the end of the day I get to give it all back to the Father. Here in this season the Lord has been showing me how sometimes the biggest help I get to be for my teammates and squad mates is lifting them in prayer.
What a joy and a blessing it is to know that it’s not up to us to be the helper for our family and friends, that we do not have to carry the hurt of those we love. I am grateful that I am not enough, that I am incapable if that means others see more of the Father, more of his character, love and purpose for every one of his children.
What burdens, or maybe who’s burdens are you carrying? Father God wants to carry them for you, receive this gift and let him fight for the people you care about.
So good Abigail. This is a hard lesson for me as well. Thanks so much for being a consistent friend and a faithful witness to God’s goodness no matter the cost.
Proverbs 4:23 – I used to remind Annie of this pretty regularly. It sounds like you are very similar in this way. Me too.
It’s easy to get caught in the tendency to borrow sorrow – We can’t take the pain of others. We see it and we want to help, to make it go away. But only God can do that. I’m so thankful you see that. I think you’d be a great counselor – whether that’s a career path or just something you do because of who you are, you are dedicated to pointing people to God. That’s the best kind of counseling!
Hi Meg! I so agree. Abigail your heart to serve others and point them to Jesus is a gift on He can give you. I m so proud of you. We love you!
Thank You Meg! Your kind words and encouragement is always so so appreciated. My heart gets so happy when I see a notification that you commented on one of my blogs! 🙂
ooooo man
your humility is worthy of celebrating! the work God is doing in and through is something so special!!
I SEE YOU
abigail!!! i adore you !!!!