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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: FLEXIBLE (07/09/20)
“Flexible in His Eyes”

When I started working to earn money, all I could think of was doing the job I was asked to do, nothing more, and nothing less. I figured that if I did at least an average job, I would get paid a decent wage, and everything would work out fine. Little did I know that there would be things such as “other duties assigned.” Over time and different kinds of jobs, being flexible was one of the better characteristics I learned a lot about.

Other duties assigned simply meant that even if something came up that the boss wanted me to do, and it was not in my normal routine, I needed to do it anyway. So, I learned to become very flexible, which in my boss’s eyes made me more valuable to some extent. After 28 years of working for the local school district, I would have to say that I had quite a “flex plan” because I never knew from day to day, what would change in my job.

The biggest challenge I have faced that pertains to being flexible, has come when Jesus asks me to be flexible in His eyes. So many times, over many years, I have set goals and made long-term plans for my life. I hate to admit how many times God had a better plan, but I was not ready to be flexible enough to listen to His voice. By standing stubborn and not willing to do a job Jesus was asking me to do, I missed out on some great blessings. In my mind I seem to have the same old thought, “Why is God asking me to do something different? I am not equipped to do the task and I just don’t think I can.” These days I can look back and honestly say to myself, it wasn’t the fact that I wasn’t equipped, it was more that I had the spirit of fear, and I let my insecurities stand in the way. We all know the spirit of fear comes from the enemy.

When I was a little girl, my parents tucked me into bed every night. I prayed the same prayer every night, and it went like this, “Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me. I know you will never make me do anything scary like sing or speak in front of people, because I know you love little children like me. I love you Jesus…Amen. When I was about 30 years old, my Mom reminded me of that prayer. She said, “I so wanted to tell you at the time, be careful how you pray little one. The very things you tell God that you don’t want to do will be the things He will use to stretch you so you can serve him with a humble heart.”

My Mom was right! Jesus brought situations into my life and very personal things to stretch me beyond my wildest imagination. When I was young, I was happy to just “blend in” so to speak. I never wanted to be the center of attention, be in the limelight or anything where I would be noticed. Somewhere along the line, God had a different idea. Through many tears, fighting shyness, and sense of insecurity, I finally managed to get of God’s way so I could be flexible in His eyes.

Through much prayer, God gave me the compassion to serve people who are hurting and sometimes grieving. For many years, I have been asked to sing at funerals. It took the Lord to help me see the need. I simply asked myself, “Who am I to say “No” when these people are already hurting and grieving?” My heart was softened and the grace that Jesus covered me with, helped me become much more flexible so I could serve Him in this capacity.

Being a breast cancer survivor twice, has given opportunities to speak to hundreds of other survivors and sing at some great events. Twice, I sang at the Moda Center in front of 40,000 people. Jesus equipped me once again and used my personal story to be a help to others. In these humble moments, I simply say, “Thank you Jesus, for helping me get out of Your way, so I can be flexible enough to bring Your name honor and glory.”

Staying out of God’s way is always the best. Even when He stretches me beyond my imagination…Jesus is always there.
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This article has been read 315 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
07/16/20
Excellent message, and very well done!

Blessings~
John Custer
07/16/20
You are so right. Sometimes it is hard to know whether it is me or God's leading. That is when prayer is imperative.
Barbara Culler 
07/17/20
Wow, what a testimony! This is well done, and I don't think you will remain long at this level!
Sue Botte 
07/17/20
Encouragement to be whom He has created you/me to be. Thank you.
Nancy Sullivan 
07/21/20
From not wanting to stand out in a crowd to singing in front of 40,000 people. That's God. Your testimony is challenging and encouraging. Thanks for sharing. You do it very well! God bless.