Monday, February 6, 2012

Grace Laced Monday: Expecting the Unexpected

Coming in a bit late today for Ruth's Grace Laced Mondays, but hey, it IS still Monday...
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Sometimes God's graces are really surprising. Lately, I've been ruminating on Moses and how inadequate he obviously felt regarding the calling with which God graced his life:

But Moses said, Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt? Exodus 3:11

and then...

Moses said to the Lord, Oh, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past, nor since you have spoken to Your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue. Exodus 4: 10

Moses was special. But he was also normal, needing assurance and reassurance just like the rest of us...

If You are pleased with me, teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with You. Remember that this nation is Your people.

The Lord replied, My presence will go with you and and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:13-14

I've found encouragement and comfort in Moses' story, his humanness, and God's kindness to him. Moses was God's instrument, His agent, chosen to accomplish His purposes for the Israelites.

And as Christ-followers, it's no different for us: we are chosen by Him for salvation and for servanthood. It's a privilege to know and obey Jesus. We are just the instrument - He is the power, the skill, the truth.

So if your calling seems a bit...overwhelming, or beyond your ability, then you (I!) can take all that much more comfort in the reality that it's all God's deal. He didn't choose you and me for our callings because we're so awesome, or so holy, or because we're the best at such-and-such. He chose us because HE'S all those things: awesome, holy, the best at everything.

Several weeks ago, I learned that my calling is going to be changing just a bit.....


Seriously, my first thought was Me? Mother to seven? Oh dear. It just wasn't on my radar!


But believe me, we are super thankful and excited and praising God for this grace, this privilege of unexpectedly expecting. This grace of being entrusted with another soul. Oh, and may I remember and believe that the entrusting is because He is worthy and He the power to get it done, and it's His grace that will cover and heal the many mistakes we will make as mom and dad to 7 (7!?!) little ones.


Grace Laced Mondays

10 comments:

  1. Beeeeeeth! *Squeeeeeal!!* Congratulations, and praying for grace. Ohhhh pregnancy....bit fresh...I'll pray now matey. xo

    (Er, and I'll come back and read the first part of your post later, I got distracted by the last bit. Sorry.)

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  2. You know I am so happy for you. Truly. And God does not call us to anything he does not equip us for! Just like Moses...

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  3. Beautifully written. Yes, it's all "God's deal" -- I love that. How easily I forget that it is a privilege to know Jesus...

    Ever smiling about the latest addition to your calling!

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  4. Your blog name sums it up so well: 'Tis Mercy All
    Amazing news!
    This child is so blessed to have all those big sisters, so much love awaiting their arrival.

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  5. You will be such an amazing mother to seven just as you have been to your six!!!! Love you and we are super excited for you all!!!

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  6. Seeing that u/s picture makes me a little watery-eyed! :) So, so excited for you all. Looking forward to seeing how God unfolds your story as a family of nine!

    And I love that you and Christian both posted about Moses. Now I'm wanting to go read his story again for myself, and be encouraged.


    *And* I finally figured out how to comment again...just needed to sign up with Blogger! I'm a bit slow sometimes...

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  7. Awww Congratulations ! So amazing and so wonderful ...so happy for you friend! Congrats again !

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  8. Okay, I've read the start of your post now. =P I am loving reading these examples of people telling God they aren't sure they have what it takes, and then God providing.

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  9. I just wanted to say THANKS to you all for your kind comments and congratulations. It means a lot to me that you come and read and share our joy!

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  10. awww, Beth - how did I miss this?! I love your way with words and your trusting spirit. Blessings to you, dear sister, and to you loved ones in this time of waiting.

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