Tag: god

You Have What You Need

When I started my position as chief of staff, I instantly loved it. It felt as if God positioned me for this role and the skills and experience I’ve gathered in my career led me to it, for this purpose.

But it’s also challenging. Some days I don’t think I’m equipped for it; my impostor syndrome kicks in, and I feel overwhelmed and unworthy. That came on with a vengeance this week. I came home one night with a multi-page ‘to-do’ list, exhausted and on the verge of tears. And, worst of all, feeling guilty for neglecting your Dad.

So, I prayed.

If I truly believe that God led me to this role and it was orchestrated for His purpose, then I must rely on Him—not myself—to give me all I need to not only meet the expectations for the role but exceed them.

The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NLT)

The next day was completely different. My ‘to-do’ list was as unwieldy as ever. But what changed was my outlook. I’m at peace with what I know I can bring to the table to support my boss and what he needs to accomplish. And what I don’t know, I’m trusting God to show me a path.

Dear son, if you’re ever in this situation, try this: “Lord, you know my heart and my potential. I’m trusting you to lead me where I should be and give me everything I need to succeed for the purpose you have for my life. Amen.”

Ephesians 3:20 says it best; “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.”

Worry

Whenever I see a bird, it reminds me not to worry. It’s because of this passage in the Bible:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:25-27 NIV

This was from Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, which tells us that worry is both unnecessary and unhelpful.

If I find myself worrying about something, I ask myself this question: Can I change it?

If the answer is yes, then do so as soon as possible. No need to worry. If the answer is no, then worrying about it is useless. If you’re not sure—pray about it, then trust God to guide you to a solution or acceptance of the situation. Again, no need to worry because God has promised to take care of all the needs of those who trust in him.

“God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV

It takes practice not to worry because we’re human—the only living being God made that is capable of worry. When I catch myself worrying or in other words, meditating on a problem or issue, I mindfully picture myself putting the problem in a box, covering it with a lid, tying a bow around it, and lifting it up to God to deal with. I take a deep breath and let it lift off my shoulders.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

How to pray: Lord Jesus, thank you for taking this worry from me. I pray for your good and perfect will in this situation. Help me recognize your hand in it and trust that you have it covered.