As you might have noticed by reading this blog, I struggle a bit with doubt, ability and fear. I often doubt I can do it; I don’t think I am able to do it; I’m afraid that I will fail. Classes started this week and let’s just say I’m a bit overloaded. I have always taken 2 classes every 8 weeks, but to even some things out, I’m taking 3 this first 8 weeks. I mentioned at praise team practice tonight that I have had thoughts of just quitting. I have thoughts like, “there is just no way…I struggle with 2…how am I going to do this?” I have been to the Liberty website a few times this week with the sole intention of withdrawing from these classes and figuring out another way to make a living.
Today Gabriel gets home from school and we do his homework and then study his Bible verses for AWANA.(If you missed it, he IS quite impressive..see what I mean HERE…I’m not biased AT ALL!) We go through the verses as usual, but he gets stuck on one. Ephesians 2:8-9 has him stumped. He just can’t get it. I must have read this verse to him 50 times and it hit me! I said OK God, I get the point…Kinda made me laugh, but I get it. Boy, do I get it!
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
There is nothing I did that saved me. There is nothing I can do that will save me more. Jesus did that….He did it for ALL of us. All the school work and stress and fear and ability and failure in the world is not going to change that. I am but a minor part of His plan, but I CAN….I CAN do whatever God chooses for me to do, but not because I’m any different than you or better or worse, but because of the Gift of God. I just needed to remember why; Why I do this blog, why I go to school, why I LIVE! This is not from yourselves! Not from me, not for me, but for the glory of God!
Then I get home to an email in my Liberty University account. I post this here to show you God at work, not to boast cuz I’m just an idiot in an average guy costume. This is how God tells me to put my head down and get to work. This is how He tells me I CAN!
Dear Toby,
Congratulations!
The final grades for the Fall 2008 term have been posted. I am pleased to inform you that your grades have qualified you for the Dean’s List. This honor is awarded to students who have earned a 3.5 GPA or greater this term.
It is a pleasure to take this opportunity to offer you my personal congratulations for your diligence and hard work. I trust that this accomplishment will set a precedent for a lifetime commitment to excellence in all aspects of your life.
May the Lord bless you as you continue to aim for His best in everything you do.
Sincerely,
Boyd C. Rist, Ph.D.
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
I didn’t make very many “good lists” as a kid, so you understand my excitement
. God is AWESOME! THIS is what my life is for!
How is God speaking to you lately?
