Doing All God Has Called You to Do

PHASE 5 "Where Did My Last Nerve Go??"

Faith Verse: but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV

Unfortunately, I am guilty of feeling or actually saying that my job, someone at my job, or even a student of mine has gotten on my last nerves on more than one occasion. From a literal perspective, if they had actually gotten on my LAST nerve then I would have some severe nerve damage and probably not be able to function properly. So, what is going on in my mind when I make this statement that someone or something has gotten on my last nerve? Have I given up? Have I relied on my own strength? Have I reverted to my failed system of success again? I admit that I do get tired and even weary from time to time (don't you?).
There have been moments at work when I have wanted to grab my purse and keys and leave everything else behind. Why? I was operating in my own strength. I had several weekly deadlines (lesson plans, assessments, data spreadsheets, grading papers, submitting student work, meetings, literacy council, interventions, etc.) with only two breaks a week. But I didn't leave. (I thought about it though. I needed a book like this while I was going through my trials.)

Once I realized that I was fighting a losing battle, if I continued to use my own strength, things changed for me. This reminds of how Joshua and his army conquered the city of Jericho with the Lord's help. Joshua and his army did not get the wall of Jericho to fall by using their own strength. They were patient and marched around the wall of Jericho for seven days (Joshua 6:15).
What if Joshua and the army had given up after the fourth lap? Fifth lap? Then after they did seven laps around the city of Jericho, Joshua commanded them to shout! (Joshua 6:16)
First of all I could not imagine myself doing seven laps, but to shout after the laps is even more outstanding! They were operating under some MAJOR faith, strength from God, and strong lungs! Do you see what happens when you are patient? I wonder where I would be if I had decided to walk off my job instead of sticking it out? Actually, never mind that thought.

Meditate on Phase 5 faith verse.

Prayer: Heavenly Gracious Father,
Thank you for being you. Thank you for saving me from myself. Please forgive me for wanting to rely on myself instead of you. You are ALL POWERFUL. You supply all my needs. Thank you for all you have done and are going to do. Please help me to continue to read, understand, and apply your Word to my daily living. I love you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.