The doorbell rang unexpectedly as most come in our back door. Upon opening the door, I was surprised to see our youngest granddaughter.
“It’s you, Eliza! What a surprise!”
“Yes, I Eliza Superhero today!”, she exclaimed.
And indeed she was! She could fly, leap, run fast like race car, lift heavy things, and eat all her lunch. All necessary to be a superhero.
It brought delight to my soul to see the confidence in this little one. Granted, she truly has a big personality for a little girl but this was more than personality.
She believed.
She believed she could do all these things better with her cape and mask donned than when they were off. Watching her go throughout the day spoke volumes to me.
We are in need of much these days …
Wisdom:
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5, NASB)
Discernment and Real Knowledge:
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment.” (Philippians 1:9, NASB)
Understanding (and more discernment):
“So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9, NASB)
Love:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.“ (John 13:34, NASB)
Compassion (and more):
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12, NASB)
Steadfastness:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
(Psalm 51:10, NASB)
Courage:
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33,NASB)
We may not have a visible cape and mask, but we are fully equipped in and through the power of the Holy Spirit who indwells in each of us, to be more than we think.
What are you in need of today?
May I encourage you with this exhortation and blessing from 2 Peter 3:17-18:
“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (NASB)
There is only One who can provide what we lack. He alone can make us more than we are.
Let’s keep growing as
we were made for more!
We can so miss the goodness of God each day. Lisa Burgess brings this reminder: “When I’m not intentional about keeping my glasses with me, I miss out on seeing good things.” Be sure to read her post “3 Ways to See How God is Good to YOU” so your eyes can become better focused.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Today I am joining …
Lately I’ve been trying to remind myself every morning that I can do nothing in myself, but I can do all things through Christ. I’ve known those truths for years, but lately I am convinced I need the reminders every day–sometimes al through the day.
I’m right there with you, Barbara. I think that is why my granddaughter’s confidence struck deeply. Even on those days when I think I am depleted, in and through Him, I find I can do a little bit more. Let’s keep reminding ourselves, and each other 🙂 {hugs}
Oh, how I need to borrow your granddaughter’s cape! 🙂 But you’re right; we are already fully equipped through the love and grace of Christ. I just need to believe it in all circumstances. Thanks for the encouragement this morning. And thanks for sharing my post too.
Lisa, you raise such a good point – why do we believe in some circumstances but not all? He indwells us and therefore, His strength is always within reach. Blessings, friend!
Joanne, I love this story-I think we all have a tendency to think we need something else in order to do all God has for us. But as you so ably pointed out-he gives us all we need for life and godliness-and even better-he accomplishes it all through us.
Women With Swords. Yes, Lord.
Joanne, such a timely list of what I need in my actual life right now. I’ve read several posts this week (including this one) that are reminding me of all that God provides when I am severely lacking. I often forget to stop and ask for His help when the situations aren’t life-threatening or dramatic! Hugs, friend.
I had to smile at your granddaughter and her cape and mask. My grandson believes he has superpowers, too. Although he has informed me, his superpowers are only for fighting bad guys and NOT for school.
Isn’t it awesome our Lord equips us for what we are called to do. Maybe it’s not visible to us, but maybe it is to Him!
He alone makes us more than we are. I recently had someone tell me who was looking at the demise of a relationship, “My story doesn’t make sense without him.” My response: Jesus makes sense of our stories if we let Him.
I love that song!! What a sweet little girl and reminder. We have access to what we need in Him!
Hi Joanne.
When my son, Connor, was little he was certain his Spiderman tennis shoes made him run like wind. I love the confidence children have in their super-hero clothing.
I appreciate the reminder that He equips us far more abundantly for the unseen battles of this world. I need to be spiritually dressed and prepared more than ever.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
Fun and powerful analogy, Joanne. I used to pull superhero capes from my symbolic closet often. Trying to be my family’s all-in-all and a superwoman capable of feats and swooping in to save the day. Yet, it never lasted or even measured up to what others needed…what I needed. Even in Christian living. Because Christ is the only One worthy of cape-wearing and supernatural power and strength in our lives.
And I’m praying for these attributes you list that are so neeeded these days in life!