Lean On Me, When You're Not Strong (And Even When You Think You Are)

This morning, boys and girls, we have a lesson in why we shouldn't try to do things in our own strength. And it's much more a lesson for me than for any of you.

Off the back of the long Monday texts I had been sending out, I had the brilliant idea of starting this blog. I decided to begin it this morning, and I had been planning all week the brilliant first post that I was going to start my blog with. And since I know that I have a great gift for writing, I knew that I would be able to write my fantastic post this morning with ease.

Until this morning came, that is. True to my plans, I got up at 5:30 am, which is not something I do lightly, and began drafting the post I wanted to write. But it just wasn't any good. I mean, it was okay. There was some sort of message in it, and a joke about how much I like cake, but it didn't feel very... inspired. And you can't put "inspire" in your blog name if you're not going to be inspired.

So let's look back at what I did wrong. I had a great idea. I made plans. I began the post I wanted to write. I knew I could do it because I know I'm good at that sort of thing. At any point in those two paragraphs did I mention God? No, because I had forgotten.

God gives us our talents and skills. He makes us good at stuff. And when we align those talents with His plans for our lives, amazing things happen. But when we take ownership of our gifts and forget who gave them to us, we become conceited and we start swimming in our own direction. Do not forget the reason behind it all, the Person behind it all.

So the thought for today is this: 

What is it that you are good at? Why are you good at it?

Occasionally God gives us things just for the fun of it, but most of the time it is to help us fulfil His purpose. Take stock today of the things He has given you. Remember they are not yours because of how fantastic you are, but because of how awesome He is. We were created to bring Him glory. Go do it.