The A.M Chronicles part one: God's strength

The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14

It's been awhile since I felt as spent as I did by Tuesday night of this week. The type of projects that I have found in my lap lately have been stimulating and entertaining. The amount of them and the energy required to completely them, however, has been draining. Monday came this week after a full weekend that demanded not only a significant portion of my time but a significant quantity of mental energy. Not only did Monday come after a full load, but it brought a new load. Transporting Paul to and from work, making two separate trips to the hospital for surgeries, grocery shopping, were just a few things on the list. When Paul's car did not get fixed Monday, I found Tuesday rolling in with more trips to Ruston (which is about 25 minutes away if you are wondering.) With an upcoming student conference, much of Tuesday was taken up with prep task and meetings. By the time the evening arrived, I found my brain's ability to focus non existent.

The challenging in this was that I had yet to devote the time I desired and needed to preparing for my two speaking engagements on Wednesday. I have been good at not committing to additional obligations on Wednesday due to focusing on "GroundZero," our big weekly youth focus event. Since I had previously arranged to have a guest speaker at GroundZero this particular Wednesday, I agreed to speak at the local elementary school when asked. Unfortunately, (or what seemed unfortunate at the time), the guest speaker had to cancel. Now I know what you are thinking. Why not just use the same devotion at both events? This would normally be a great idea, but the age groups and nature of the events were different enough to require two separate lessons.

To cut to the chase (yes... finally!), I knew that God had known all along that both opportunities would be before me on a day when I felt weak and extended. God, in all His power, reached down and gave me the strength needed for both opportunities. His presence truly went with me. The chance to speak at the local elementary school was awesome to say the least, and tonight's GroundZero had an undeniable presence of His Spirit. In fact, I think it had to be one of the best if not the best worship services we have had at GroundZero since I came on board.

God is so awesome, so true to His word, and so amazingly compassionate.