It's just that in the Deep South, women learn at a young age
that when the world is falling apart around you, it's time to take down the
drapes and make a new dress. ~Karen
Marie Moning, author
How
many times have you taken down the drapes and made a new dress? Sometimes I
feel like my closet is full of new dresses—and they’re not the store-bought
kind!
The
scene of Scarlett O’Hara taking down the drapes to make a new dress in Gone With The Wind is iconic. Especially
for Southern women. That mentality is bred into us. But what is it about women
in general that when adversity strikes, we muddle through, plow through, or torpedo
through? The intensity depends on what the situation calls for. If it involves
our children, we definitely shift into overdrive.
While
it’s important to see the glass half full and push through the hard times in
life, it’s also important to take a step back and wait for God to show you the
dresses you already have and what to do with the drapes other than rip them
down.
There
is such a thing as being too tough. Too self-reliant. Too brave. After all, as
Christians, our strength comes from Christ (Philippians 4:13 NIV). When we rely solely
on self, we often become hardened like drought-stricken land, unable to soak up
blessings when showered upon us. Yet, a soft heart comforts others and receives
blessings God intends.
Sometimes
it’s enough to crumple into a heap at Jesus’ feet and wait for his healing hand
to reach out and lift us up.
But
there’s also a danger in not being willing to walk the tough road, in being
tossed about in the wind, unable to find the strength to pray with confidence
(James 1:5-6).
So
where is the balance?
Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have
accomplished you have done for us. Isaiah 26:12
Rest
in the knowledge that God is already out ahead of you. He’s established a
peaceful place for our soul to rest when trials threaten to overwhelm us. All
that we have accomplished He’s done for us. Does that mean we don’t have to
work? Certainly not. But He’s there—ahead of the work. He knows where our
successes lie and where our failures will strengthen, not harden, us. Praise Him for meeting your needs and seek His
wisdom in your life. His solution is always better than ours.
Next
time you’re tempted to rely on your strength alone, remember the same God who furnished
the drapes will provide the dresses. They may not have designer labels or even be
new, but they’ll be sufficient for your needs.
Will
you trust Him for that today?
Do you have a prayer need? Please leave a comment or email me
confidential requests. I’d love to join you in prayer.
God
bless,
Laura
What’s your favorite Bible verse(s) in times of
adversity? Leave a comment this week (through 6/2/15) to be entered in a
drawing for a free copy of my Kindle ebook, "While I'm Waiting."
© Laura Hodges Poole
“Young Woman Near River” image
courtesy of marin/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
“Young Woman Opening Curtains”
image courtesy of FrameAngel/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
Deuteronomy 33:25 - "Your castles and strongholds shall have bars of iron and bronze, and as your day, so shall your strength, your rest and security, be." Lovely, encouraging devotional thoughts, Laura! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and sharing your verse, Norma. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. You're also the winner of the Kindle copy of "While I'm Waiting," since you were the only comment posted before June 2.
DeleteThe timing on this is pretty funny. You wrote it in May and I just came across it when you followed me on Twitter. I just took one of those really silly (and addictive) Facebook quizes "Which Southern girl are you?" I was Scarlett O'Hara. I thought that was pretty funny too as I'm pretty sure people don't think of me as the ultimate southern belle. However, the description said I'm intelligent, understand the meaning of hard work and know how to achieve my goals. I can deal with that!
ReplyDeleteBut I read this and realize just how accurate that silly little quiz was. I love this: "Remember the God who furnished the drapes will provide the dresses." In addition to being far too good about thinking about that tomorrow, I am prone to muddle along in a bit too much self-reliance, realizing when the curtains are cut into pieces that I'm not that great with a sewing machine.
Thanks for a great piece and for the Twitter follow.
You're welcome, Angela. That's a great analogy of self-reliance. I'm not good with a sewing machine, either! :) Thanks for stopping by and sharing. God bless.
DeleteLove how you balance this post. God does want to be courageous and tender, wise as serpents and innocent as doves. But how? You answer some of that here. Thank you.
ReplyDelete