Doing ALL things

Some times when you are a missionary, people get an unrealistic idea of who you are because of your 'title.' It happens in many other occupations too, but I wanted to share about it as a missionary. As a missionary, I am not some super Christian. I am not a walking encyclopedia of the Bible. I don’t know how to deal with every situation or crisis that occurs.....I am still sinful and flawed. I am just one sinner saved by God’s Grace. As we began this journey to serving the Lord in missions we were often reminded that "God does not always call the equipped, but He equips the called." This means we have to come face to face with our own ineptness to complete the work God has given us to do.
I have made my fair share of mess ups this week....with my husband, with my kiddos, with others, with time management, and the list could keep going. However, that's not where I want to dwell.....even though it is so easy to stay there. I was reading the book of Philippians this week and came across a gem of a verse in Phil. 4:13. It says, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." What struck me is that it DOESN'T say I can do all things WELL. I can do all things, sure, but that doesn't mean that MY best will be THE best. However, I have the hope of 2 Cor. 12:9 too, which says, "But he [Jesus] said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." It's not about me and my strength. It's about God and His supreme glory! HE can shine even when I don't!
This is hope for all of us who are Christians. God doesn't require THE best from us. He requires OUR best. He doesn't measure us against each other. In Ephesians 4:32, it says, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." I have a note in my margin that reminds me to "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." Unfortunately, I don't know who I'm quoting, but it was not an original Phyllis thought. I copied it from someone else. However, I think there's a lot of truth in it.
Being a missionary doesn't mean I don't struggle. Believe me, I do! However, my struggle, just like yours, is meant to draw us to Jesus and help Him shine through in the tapestry of our lives....not us. I can do all things, yes, and I pray that as I do them whether great, good, horrible or some other way that God is exalted! To Him be ALL the glory!!