I have nothing–except…..

It has been a super busy week. Take a day away and I’m lost.

The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3 reminds us that there is a season for everything.

I have been in a season of very wonderful things, mixed with some very complicated things.

A season of new territory in ministry along with some same-old territory in life.

A season of feeling like a kid kicking up my heels over new ideas, new vision, new dreams then looking in the mirror and seeing life that is pouring through my fingers at mach speed and sloppy destination.

I heard a sermon this weekend that has been rumbling around in my head. I am working it out in my heart.

It was taken from the story in 2 Kings about the The Widow’s Oil. If you are like me and have not read it in a while it is found in 2 Kings 4:1-7.

Reflecting on the story has given me 4 take-aways that I wanted to get out on paper and pray might help you if you are in a season of feeling like life is sucking things out faster than you can see them pouring back in.

Here is what I see this young Mom doing.

1) CRY OUT to God. He knows that your need seems is overwhelming your supply. He waits for you to turn to Him.

I remember the day June 8, 1984 when my life was so overwhelmed by my need that I could no longer even PRETEND to do it alone. I finally cried out to God. He immediately began to pour HIS PROVISION into my empty life. I have NEVER been empty again. Confused, sad, disappointed..but NEVER EMPTY of Him.

2) SURRENDER what you do have! God wants to multiply and overflow in your life.

He has actually taken the darkest places and the most horrible decisions of my past and used them to build 25 years AND COUNTING of ministry and restoration. he restored my marriage, my family, my heart and my hope. He poured His provision into my life and has allowed my life to overflow into the lives of others.

3) CHANGE YOUR FOCUS. One thing I have seen God do over and over in my walk with Him is to heal a heart and a life that is focused on serving others, ministering to others, taking our need and looking for that same loss in someone else. It is truly an amazing thing to see.

4) GIVE WHAT YOU HAVE. Draw it up and lay it out. Be bold. Have courage. Give it to God and He will multipy and Overflow not only for YOU but for those around you.

Do you love to write? Go to a local ministry and help with the newsletter.

Do You love to speak and teach? Go to a local nursing home or hospital and teach a Bible Study.

Are you good with numbers? Volunteer to help a single Mom set up a budget.

Like to cook? Make a meal for a sick friend.

Ephesians 3:20 HAS ALWAYS been my favorite. I LOVE to ask God to Show Me HIS MORE for my NOT ENOUGH!!

How about you? Have you ever felt like you don’t have “ANYTHING”?

Hey, I am packing today for these events. Are any of them on your calendar?

ICRS (Christian Retail Show) in Atlanta, Ga

A FAMILY VACTION that I have prayed up for a LONG TIME–Unless your last name is Layton, you can’t come 🙂

Lifeway “You Lead” in Charlotte, NC

Proverbs 31 “She Speaks” in Charlotte

Surrendering the Secret Certified Leader Training in Charlotte

Blessings friends…

I’ll be back with some Travel Tales 🙂