The Flame Within

Do you ever have days when you feel like a failure? Today was a day like that for me… All day I struggled with feeling like I was failing God, myself, my husband, my children, my clients, and even my friends. Then I rode with my 17 year old son, to pick up the other kiddos from school. His Bible study book and Bible was sitting in the middle of his truck. Suddenly, God’s still small voice hit my heart like a firery dart…

“This young man, that you raised loves Jesus! He is sold out to follow me, His Lord & Savior.”

As I fought back tears, I realized that at my core I am a wretched, unorganized, and selfish sinner. I know my self, all too well! I know my weaknesses, my selfish thoughts, and my inadequacies better than anyone. I fail all too often (especially as a wife and mother)!

God used this simple reminder, to jar my negative emotional thought patterns. Suddenly, for the first time all day, my heart felt a hint of joy! God reminded me in the midst of my own self-induced pitty party, that I am doing something right! I am teaching my children about God! Somehow, despite my many failures God is working in the lives of my children! I am so thankful that God and is filling in the gaps of my personal failures!

Perhaps, I don’t have to be perfect! Maybe, I don’t always have to always have it altogether! Could it be, that God uses our brokenness for his glory?

[To think; All day I sinned! I fretted! I worried! I cried! All day, I allowed Satan to taunt me! failed to open God’s word!]

Despite, all of this God still showed up and reminded me of his unconditional love! He showed up to “love” me out of my own selfish whine fest! I am thankful for God’s gentle reminders of his love and goodness!

Friends, all we have to do, is our best and have a true desire to introduce our children to God! God will do the rest! When we teach our children to love and serve God, we have done the most important thing, right? Isn’t this the truest and deepest desire of every Christian mother’s heart?

Most importantly, God does not expect us to be perfect! He knows it’s in our weakest moments, that we hear his voice loudest!

Deuteronomy 22:6 “Raise up a child in the way they shall go and when they are old they shall never depart from it.”

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Perhaps you needed a reminder of God’s unconditional love today!

Blessings, Crystal