Mrs. Clean
Posted in Daily Focus on Monday, October 7, 2013
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).
Inside the house, the kitchen sink was full of dishes, and the laundry baskets were piled high with dirty clothes. The floors were full of crumbs, and the windows had enough fingerprints to fill the files of the FBI. Outside, the lawn looked like a herd of horses needed to chew it down, and the children's toys were scattered from one end of the farm to the other. Company was scheduled to arrive for supper, and the meal was not yet prepared. I laughed to myself, wondering which of these tasks I would actually accomplish in addition to our homeschooling day.
Thinking about all the work made me tired and unable to even know where to start. Looking to God, I felt Him gently urge me to begin. I did, and somehow a miracle began. The day became supernatural, and I literally felt like angels were working with me to get every job accomplished. There were no interruptions, no accidents, and no fights. Nothing was lost, and nothing broke. I flew from one chore to the next, while keeping an enthusiastic smile and teaching my children their lessons. I couldn't believe the amount of work I accomplished that day, and I've never had another one quite like it.
Sometimes the numerous issues in our spiritual walk also seem daunting. We wonder how a family member will ever be saved, why we keep falling into the same old sins, and if we can ever forgive our mother-in-law's thoughtless remarks. Temptations and trials attempt to render us impotent. We become discouraged and give up in despair before we ever begin to live for the Lord. You don't need to live under the weight of sin and pain. God sent His Son, Jesus, to deliver us from a defeated life. Jesus arose and left an empty grave as proof that we have access to the same mighty power that raised Him from the dead (Ephesians 1:19). All your burdens can be lifted by the miracle of His grace.
Is life too heavy to bear right now? Jesus says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
Father, some days I wonder if I can take one more problem. Thank You for giving me the strength to bear the weight of my discouraging difficulties and help me begin to fight the spiritual battles around me. In the power of Your name, Amen.
Comments(26 comments)
LYNDA B 10/07/2008 05:17:02
I really needed this Daily Focus this morning,Thanks
GINGER A 10/07/2008 15:43:10
I had a day like that once and I think of it often even though it has been over 20 years. I pray for another one and I get them but none quite so dramatic as that first one when it seemed that time just stopped for me so I could accomplish the tasks I had to do.
TRACEY D 10/08/2008 11:35:27
Your Devotional was perfect for today. thanks
STEPHANIE L 10/09/2008 17:25:14
God bless you for using your gifts for Him. Your devotional came at the perfect time; God's time.
JEAN B 10/07/2009 05:29:32
Jean
How kind of the Lord to use this devotional this morning to meet me right where I was. It was very timely.
APRIL B 10/07/2009 07:34:51
Are you talking about my house? Wow! How timely! Thank you for this devotional. It's nice to know that I am not alone and that if I just begin, the Lord will help with every task and burden. Rest Ahhh sweet rest. God Bless You.
TERESA C 10/07/2009 10:40:06
I really, really needed this today!
Will & Tanya S 10/07/2009 12:56:52
Thank you for this morning's devotional. It sounds like you have been at my house too! It is definitely timely as I feel this way often. It's a constant thing. It's good to know that I am not the only one!
DANIELLE Z 10/07/2009 19:41:50
This spoke right to me. I really needed this. Thanks you. What a blessing
Angela N 10/07/2010 06:44:46
When I started reading, I felt like you must have been standing in my house when you wrote this devotional. The description couldn't have been anymore exact. Then you moved into my yard and everything was the same there too. I have been under such heavy pressure and it seems the weight of the world is on my shoulders; and I'm exhausted to be boot with three little boys ages 4, 2, and 1 with another one due in the spring. It's easy to forget that as His children we can have His strength to accomplish our tasks,and that He is just waiting for us to acknowledge Him each day and give Him our cares and our burdens. Thanks so much for reminding me of that. Boy oh boy did I ever need it.
APRIL C 10/07/2010 12:33:15
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you....You will never know how God used this devotional to help me today!
Jennifer H 10/08/2010 13:45:55
Thank you. I don't always get to read these - and this morning I did... it was much needed as tears streamed down my face while I read.
I'm also encouraged by all the other parents who also needed to hear these words. We are not alone in this journey...
Thank you.
LISA A 10/07/2011 03:49:40
You all should try FLYLADY.COM and check out her book "Sink Reflections". It has helped me tremendously. Is my home a show room, far, far from it. But by baby steps I can get my house ready in only about 20 to 30 minutes now if someone is coming over, not a whole day like it used to. Check it out!!
This devotion helps all know that we aren't alone, thank you.
AUDRA K 10/07/2011 04:11:48
I love flylady.com. I needed this too. God is so good to give us the strength we need for every situation (even dirty dishes) with a good attitude. Praise the Lord! And God bless u all!!
MARTHA C 10/07/2011 05:18:26
This was great encouragement for this day! Thank you so much for continuing these devotionals in spite of people's discouraging comments.
Thank you!
CANDACE M 10/07/2011 06:16:16
Your timing is uncanny on so many of these. Thank you.
ELIZABETH R 10/07/2011 06:40:26
This was prefect for me today. Thank you:)
EVIE L 10/07/2011 07:42:57
oh my. THank you so much for this today. As the others said, God knew exactly what so many of us needed to hear today. I thought you were describing my house in the beginning! :) Thank you for being willing to be God's spokesperson to us!
God Bless
MAYA T 10/07/2011 08:23:31
My health has been a challenge lately and I have been discouraged and have felt defeated. I have a friend who is going through a similar battle and her attitude is so positive while mind has been so negative. I repented last night and decided that one day too, I will laugh about this and this morning here is this devotional. I feel empowered right now. Even more so than before. God, you are on the throne. Even more so, you are on the throne of my heart and life. I surrender to you today. You are more powerful than my health, finances, and any other thing that tries to take your glory. I give it all to you in Jesus Name. Amen
AMY T 10/07/2011 15:54:27
Wow, it is such a blessing to read the right words at the right time! This is exactly the kind of week I have been having. Thank you so much for this Daily Focus. Anything is possible through Christ, He is my strength and my Redeemer! Praise the Lord! To God be the Glory- Amen!
MARY H 10/07/2011 19:59:51
I am leaving a comment although it is only an hour away from tomorrow. When I finally got to reading this devotional, I was at the end of a day so much like the one you just described. I felt all alone like I was the only one who ever has days like these. I am a biological mother of two preschoolers who I have just started homeschooling at four and two. I am a step parent to four more. Just the parenting is a full time job. Keeping my house clean is another. Homeschooling feels like another. And my husband is a pastor and taking care of the church and dealing with the people is more than one full time job. I often get to the end of the day and think, how did I accomplish all of that? I'm not completely sure I should be actually, but I pray God will show me which things are too much. I know that He will.
SABRENA M 10/07/2011 20:01:49
Sabrena M
You have no idea how this daily devotional has "hit home" with me. WIth four homeschooled children (ages 8 to 16), living on a farm, husband's business going full tilt and strained relations with family members - I was asking the Lord what He wants from me this time and He has been very direct!! Love them, forgive them and keep on moving! Thanks so much for your insight.
ANDREA J 10/07/2012 08:19:56
Great devotional, it's nice to be reminded that you are not alone in this matter of being a homeschool mom. God is always in control , just anxiously awaiting our invitation to help with our daily cares. Thank you. Andrea J.
KATHY S 10/07/2012 21:05:39
I too have issues with clutter, and that was before we started homeschooling.
Since starting homeschooling 1/2 of last year, and this year, I really just cannot keep up with housework. Alot of this has to do with my health problems, I do a few things and I have to sit, my back is so bad,
5 minutes on dishes and I have to rest. My foot that was broken and sprained has been resprained, they want me back in Physical therapy, and I'm still trying to get through Cardiac therapy. I just feel like I can't fit one more thing in my day, I'm Tired.
Anyway, I have been truly inspired by this devotional, I am just going to pray for strength both physical and emotional. I know Jesus will help me too. Thank you again!
BRIDGET P 10/08/2012 05:41:47
This was definitely a God thing. I have so many days that I feel that I woke up in the red and try to play catch-up all day long to get chores done as well as homeschooling. Just this morning I woke up to the kids running in our room waking me up yelling "It's time for school!!" as they do every morning and then I spoke with my hubby about my concerns for my unsaved mother who is 75 years old. It just seems hopeless. Then I check my email and read your devotional......ahhhh. Thank You, Lord. Just what I needed.
Keep being sensitive to Him. Thanks! =)
J R 10/11/2012 11:46:29
Thank you for this email. I have been feeling so defeated and feeling like I have failed my family. I have been caring for my ill parents for the last several years, homeschooling my precious children and encouraging my husband through several job loses over the last 3 years. And I have had many days where I couldn\'t finish anything, and many days where I was amazed at what I was able to accomplish. Thank you Father for your Grace!!!