When the alarm rings at 6:10 am (yes, 6:10 am, not 6 am, because those extra ten minutes of sleep seem sweetly satisfying), I roll out of bed. When I’ve got it together, I get on my knees and say a quick prayer. After that, it’s go-go-go time. My morning routine is rushed, as I’m sure yours is too: change into workout clothes (in the hope that it won’t turn into loungewear), make the kids’ breakfast, pack chappati chicken rolls for school lunch, cut apples, wash grapes, and pack cookies for school snack, drink my coffee, clean kitchen counters, send the kids off, go for a quick walk, make my dear husband his breakfast, workout with weights (I’ve bought into the middle-age muscle mantra), and down my morning smoothie because, by then, I’m starving.

By the time I settle in for my quiet time and then shower, I’m exhausted and want to crawl back into bed. And that’s just the start of my day.

Anyone else feel they’re stretched like one of those yoga instructors with crazy limber muscles, except, that your muscles are not limber at all?

Here’s the thing: We need to stop doing all things we can do and start doing the things we are called to do.

Just because you can juggle multiple balls in the air, it doesn’t mean you need to join the circus. You’re not meant to be superwoman/superman. You’re meant to depend on a super awesome God.

If you’ve grown up in the church, here’s a verse you’ve definitely come across.

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)

God created us to do good works. To live out our faith in action. Adding this to the truth that we are created to glorify God, we get a more comprehensive purpose for why we are here on earth: We are created to glorify God through the good works that He has prepared in advance for us to do.

So, how do we recognize and do these good works instead of spreading ourselves thin by trying to do it all?

1. Celebrate your limitedness: In a world that shouts, “I’m enough,” be the one to say, “I’m not enough. But Jesus is.” The only way we can do anything worthwhile with our time and talents is by abiding in the Vine (John 15: 15). By rehearsing this truth, we are freed to depend on the Lord and not on ourselves.
2. Change your perspective: Often, we think of “good works” as grandiose, impactful, large-scale things we do outside our immediate environment. But, here’s something to think about: your calling might start with being obedient in the here and the now. Your “here” maybe taking care your home. Your “now” maybe nuturing your current relationships. Start with the good works right under your nose.
3. Use your gifts: God has crafted you with intention. He has invested certain gifts and talents in you. Some of our gifts may be less obvious, less glamorous, less attention-grabbing than those of others. But, friend, you are called for such a time as this. Discover your spiritual gifts. Start using them, even if it feels awkward and vulnerable.
4. Expect to be stretched: Just because we are functioning within our sphere of gifting doesn’t mean it will be convenient or comfortable. We are called to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. Good works doesn’t equate to easy works.
5. Wait on God: Before rushing into doing, be still before God. That takes us back to the first point of realizing our limitedness. Be still and know that He is God—which means, you and I are not! The good works He has prepared will become more evident when you wait on the good, good Father.

 The works God has planned for you to do are intended to glorify Him and Him alone. If we are entertaining a side gig called, “self-glory” then very likely, that’s not a labor of love, it’s labor for the limelight.

Here’s a quote I read in a commentary that I found worth repeating:

Works have nothing to do with redemption; but works testify that redemption has been wrought in the heart. We work because we are the children of God. We do not work to try to gain Heaven—we work because we are on the way to Heaven.

May that eternal perspective free us from trying to do all things. May it propel us to do things of eternal value that glorify God.

 

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