What Do You Think? Wednesday
Monday I began a raw food program that I have been excited about for six months, but as the day unfolded my excitement folded and all I wanted to do was scream. First, my payment registered late so I got my instructions late, got my groceries late, ate my meals late, missed appointed times of exercise, and started the boys’ school day late. I didn’t want to talk, not even to my best friends; I was frustrated, miserable and pitiful.
Finally, with nothing else left to do, I decided to cry out to the Lord. He sent His word, healed me and delivered me out of my destruction (Psalm 107:19-20): He said, “Did you do the best you could do today? Well, that’s all I ask.” With that I was settled, seasoned and done. God added what I needed to my mixed up day and left me the missing ingredient that would have overpowered the others tossed into the mix. I had done my best. I could not control the payment or instructions arrival, the time I was able to get groceries or when I ate the meals or exercised. I emailed. I called. I searched my refrigerator for food on hand. None of these landed me where I wanted to be, but I did do what I could do. And that’s what God asks us all. He has given us a certain amount of talent and ability and He expects us to use to the fullest what He gives us (Matthew 25:13-29). We can do no more and should do no less than that. We have a special obligation to do our very best. Anything less than that or even lamenting about not being able to do better than our best is sin.
Don’t let the sin of perfectionism that so often plagues recovering strong black women—strong women period—keep you from settling into your very best. Remember, we can only bring under control that which is ours to control. God gives us what we can handle and He is the barometer for doing our very best.
What have you done to be your very best? Were your methods within your control? What were your results? Please, tell me what you think.
This is great. I praise God that you are willing to be transparent and remind us all to depend on God’s strength and not our own. I am so encouraged to hear that you are transitioning to Raw…this is great! So encouraged to keep going!
Thanks for this. I had been feeling bad that I could not continue my fast the way I started because of the pain medicine I have been taking after surgery. I was feeling as if my fasting other things was not good enough because of how I started, but this has reminded me that God only ask for my best and as long as I am doing that I am in His will and He will honor my modified fast.
Thank you, Ajene. I want to be able to help others any way I can. And if transparency is what it takes then that I’ll be. The raw program is exciting and will help me add a great variety to the little I know to do.
Carla, I’m glad this helped to remind you of what God requires so you don’t feel the need to pressure yourself to go beyond that. Thanks for sharing YOUR struggle.