Mercy in the Time of Need

November 1

Each time you plow your way through the massive distractions to communicate with Me, you achieve a victory. Rejoice in these tiny triumphs, and they will increasingly light up your days.

 

Hebrews 4:14-16

"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

 ~

Striving to live in God's presence is no easy task.  It is not a feeling to obtain, but a state of mind.  There are so many distractions! I have laundry piled up. I have closets cluttered.  I have dishes dirty.  Floors sticky.  Messy counters. All the while a baby likes to be held and two toddlers who always want the same toy!

Spiritually speaking, I have struggled to stay nourished lately. I have found that I have duties at church that take me away from attending services. I have sick babies, so I must stay at home. 

When I was young, I had always thought that someday I would be on the mission field somewhere (Africa maybe) and instead of being fed from God's Word, I would have to feed myself. 
 
Today, while emptying the dishwasher, God whispered to me: "This is your mission field."  (And sometimes I feel like I am in Africa - with  naked little boys running around the house and peeing in the yard!)

Oh, of course I had told myself (and others) this many times.  I had read it in books, blogs, and Bible studies.  For four years it was a theory, and not a practicality. Motherhood is my mission field.

Today it hit me:  If this is my mission field, I am struggling spiritually partly because Satan is attacking (any good work, he attacks) - and partly because it is time I feed myself. 

I may not get to attend every Bible conference available, or sit in the service (without interruption).  I must open my Bible.  Force myself to ignore all of the "To-Do's" and tune out the screaming to read and pray.  I must do this. 

Thankfully, I have a High Priest that knows all my weaknesses and sits on God's throne, ready with mercy and grace to help in the time of need!