What if it's the exact opposite?

We are over half way through the year and I want to share something that I have been deeply challenged by as a mother. And my prayer is that it impacts you also as you run this race, friend, with perseverance. Motherhood is training ground. Each and every day we make choices that are either building muscle or weakening muscle. And I want to ask you today:

"Where in your life do you need to build muscle? What thoughts are consuming you that are limiting you from experiencing God's supernatural power?"

I'll go first.

I need to build muscle in the area of being productive while also enjoying my children. The two don't need to be isolated. I can truly enjoy my boys being around me (and including them into what I'm doing) while also putting my hands to the tasks.

The thoughts that consume me on a regular basis are: "My children slow me down" and "I have to keep everyone happy." Both are framed more into a negative light.

Friend, we are supposed to experience weakness. We are supposed to experience desperation. We are supposed to come to the complete end of ourselves so that Christ's power will rest on us and we will experience His supernatural power at work in our life.

Story time =)

In the spring, at the end of May, I had a commitment that required me to be gone from home 4 afternoons/nights that week. For months, I dreaded that week thinking that it was going to be so challenging for my husband with all three boys + dealing with the uncertainty of how our 6 month old would do...A close friend of mine challenged me immensely by saying only this: "Hope, what if it turns how to be the exact opposite of what you think it will be? WHAT IF that week is incredibly peaceful? What if there are no crazy challenges?"

I took her words to heart. And my husband and I prayed. We gave Him all of our concerns and worries. And guess what? The week was peaceful, free from major challenges. It was the exact opposite of what I thought it would be.

This happened, yet again, in June. Our family needed to take a trip down south to Georgia. In 24 hours, we made the decision to drive (while also considering flying with all our boys). A trip that could have been marked by challenges after challenges was marked by God's peace and grace.

Friend, I say all of this to say: your mind is a powerful place where the Spirit of God has control or your flesh has control. (Galatians 5:17) The enemy wants to destroy your peace by taking your mind into captivity with his lies which always lead to depression and anxiety.

Following Jesus in motherhood isn't a picnic, let's just say. There are more battles to fight. There is more healing to contend for. There is more of a hunger for God's presence. There is a desperation to hear His voice and His alone.

Don't bow down to the enemy.

Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

I leave you with this scripture today:

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.