Do Everything as to the Lord...

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time,

you know of my affection for Charles Spurgeon's writings.

Today is no different. *smile*

This morning, as I dragged myself out of bed to meet with God in the quiet of the early morning hours - (yes, dragged myself out of bed...I'm still working on this self-discipline of rising early to give Him first place in my day) - *another smile* -

what greeted me from the pages of Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional

was a challenge and such a great reminder for me -

(a stay-at home-Mom to five small children) -
here is what I read....

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"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."

Ecclesiastes 9:10

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do," refers to works that are possible.

There are many things which our heart findeth to do which we never shall do.

It is well it is in our heart; but if we would be eminently useful,

we must not be content with forming schemes in our heart,

and talking of them;

we must practically carry out "whatsoever our hand findeth to do."

One good deed is more worth than a thousand brilliant theories.

Let us not wait for large opportunities, or for a different kind of work,

but do just the things we "find to do" day by day.

We have no other time in which to live.

The past is gone; the future has not arrived;

we never shall have any time but time present.

Then do not wait until your experience has ripened into maturity

before you attempt to serve God.

Endeavour now to bring forth fruit.

Serve God now, but be careful as to the way in which you perform what you find to do-

"do it with thy might."

Do it promptly;

do not fritter away your life in thinking of what you intend to do

to-morrow as if that could recompense for the idleness of to-day.

No man ever served God by doing things to-morrow.

If we honour Christ and are blessed, it is by the things which we do to-day.

Whatever you do for Christ throw your whole soul into it.

Do not give Christ a little slurred labour,

done as a matter of course now and then;

but when you do serve him,

do it with heart,

and soul,

and strength.

But where is the might of a Christian?

It is not in himself, for he is perfect weakness.

His might lieth in the Lord of Hosts.

Then let us seek his help;

let us proceed with prayer and faith,

and when we have done what our "hand findeth to do,"

let us wait upon the Lord for his blessing.

What we do thus will be well done, and will not fail in its effect.

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So, for me, a SAHM to 5 - I am reminded that no matter whether the

"things my hands find to do" involves changing a diaper; washing or folding clothes; wiping little noses; drying tears; cooking; scrubbing toilets; making beds; teaching these little people the Christ-like way in which to solve conflicts; etc, etc, etc....

(the list could go on and on...

Moms out there, you know exactly what I'm talking about *smile*)

No matter what it is that I'm called to do in that moment,

if I do it with my whole being,

and for His glory,

then these seeming "little things" will not return to me void.

For He will bless these efforts.

I believe this.

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A few things I know for sure...

God is ALWAYS faithful-

He promises never to leave my side-

He works ALL things together for good-

These children I've been given
(some for a lifetime, some for but a season)

are wondrous, extravagant gifts and I need to remember this -

even in the midst of one of "those" days-

If I will but simply follow His leading throughout my days,

setting aside my own agenda for His,

then my days will go well -

however, if I try to do it all "on my own" and "my way"

then the day will surely unravel and fall to pieces-

I know that there is no good thing in me, but that in my weakness,

His strength is made perfect-

And I know that my Father,
Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills,

will supply all my needs.

And I am humbled to be used of Him in the lives of my children and my husband.

By His grace and in His strength,

Sarah