On my desk in front of me is a small plaque with my name Eric and its meaning, Ever powerful. I cant remember where I got that from, but I assume the meaning for my name is true, though it often doesnt feel like it. But, it makes me think way back to a time when I was a little boy following my dad around on the farm. I used to love being around him while he was working because it made me feel important and strong like a big boy. Anything that he was doing, I wanted to try to do it too. And even though I was rail thin, I obviously didnt get the memo that I was skinny and weak. I certainly didnt feel that way around my daddy. Well one day he was hooking up some equipment to the tractor called cultivators. They were in 4 separate pieces for the small tractor he had, 2 for the front, and 2 for the back. They werent huge pieces, but they were pretty heavy. To connect them, you had to lift them off the ground to slide them into their places. My dad made it look so easy. In fact, he pretty much used one had to lift, and the other hand to guide and slide the pins in to hold them in place. I just knew if he could do it with one hand, I could do it with two. So I jumped in there with my let me try enthusiasm. My dad never would stand in the way of me learning how to do something, so he just stepped back to watch me give it a try. Well, I tried...and I tried...and I tried, but I just couldnt lift it up quiet high enough. So I stepped back to let him get back in there and do his thing. But, he didnt. He looked at me and told me not to give up so easily. His facial expression was interesting. It was saying, you can do it and I expect more at the same time. So I jumped back in there not expecting to please my dad by being able to lift it, but at least to make him proud by giving it another try. I didnt have much, but I gave it all I had. And lo and behold, it started to lift up off the ground. In fact, I lifted it up high enough to get it into position. Not only did I lift it, but when I did, it felt at least half as light as it did on my first few attempts. I was amazed at what a little determination and and little extra elbow grease could do for me. I felt so good about myself, not only because I was able to lift something beyond what I was thought was possible, but also because it was obvious that my daddy was proud of me. Well, Im not sure how long it was before I realized what really happened. But I finally figured out that I was only able to lift that piece of equipment because my dad had grabbed it behind me and helped me lift it. Oh, I wasnt mad when I realized what he did. I understood why he did it, and I appreciate him for doing it. Just like I appreciate it when God does it. See, I know that there are many things in my life now that it may appear as if I am lifting them on my own. Sometimes people will say Good job Eric!, or That was awesome what you did. But they dont realize how weak I really am. They cant see it, but I know that I am only able to do what I do because Gods hand is on what I am lifting. So I understand better what the Lord meant in Zechariah 5:6b when He said ...not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Its the Spirit of God thats helping me lift what I need to lift and carry what I need to carry. And I can see everyday how His strength is made perfect in my weakness. I thank God for having His hand on the things I do and the burdens I carry. There is no way I could do it without Him. And if you are feeling like your load is too much for you, then trust in our Heavenly Father. Tell Him all about it. He cant wait to help!
Posted on: Wed, 29 Oct 2014 10:29:03 +0000