Mosaic (May 24)

I've been reading in 1 Samuel lately and reflecting on the first king of Israel, Saul.

Not unlike others whom God called, Saul seems insecure and doubtful—on his coronation day they can't even find him because he's hiding. Jonah full out went the other direction of God's call, Gideon threw out fleeces just to make sure, Moses got hung up on his ability to speak and Barak, the Israelite warrior wouldn't lead the battle against the Caananites unless Deborah went too.

We have a calling, compelled to obey the Lord in a direction he's leading, and it's so easy to doubt ourselves and our ability. Even if it's an opportunity we've been praying toward, we look in the mirror and waver in our conviction of what God has set before us.

Samuel sharply rebukes Saul, "Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel" (1 Sam 15:17).

The task of obedience isn't about the future so much as it is about being faithful to follow. If the Lord relied on our perfection, we'd undoubtably fail, but, "we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10).

Isn't it a wonder that we've been created to do stuff for our Creator? That he's given us everything we need to follow him and live for his glory. And it has nothing to do with me, and everything to do with him!

What's the calling before you right now? Do you struggle with feeling little in your own eyes? How does the confidence that you're created for and equipped for God's work encourage you?

Grace & Peace,

Amber

Content: This Week…

Five Things

On the Blog

On my Shelf

In Articles (curated content just for you)

Previously on Mosaic

Five Things

1. I earned two more stripes on my white belt!! I train in brazilian jiu-jitsu and receiving those sticky pieces of tape is incredibly exciting, after the time and effort (not to mention the bruises) you pour in.

2. My husband and littlest were in a minor car accident. We're so so grateful everyone is okay. It's been interesting to watch the kiddos process what happened and treasure each other more in the days following with hugs and acts of service. One of them reflected, "I wonder if the Lord lets things like this happen sometimes so we remember not to take each other for granted."

3. "The aim of the world’s commandments is to gain wealth, fame, social standing, secular power, and human pleasure. Jesus Christ aimed for none of that." (Joel R. Beeke and Michael V. P. Barret, A Radical, Comprehensive Call to Holiness,).

The worldly commandments jump and shout in front of us daily, so for the Christian it's a daily, conscious effort to assess our motivations and intentions in our actions and decision—it can be really hard. But when we keep our eyes on Jesus and let him transform us, he will bring fruit to bear as we humble ourselves before him in obedience.

4. Rain, rain, rain. It's not our favourite weather, but the Lord knows we need it. Farmers finished with seeding look forward to the saturated ground for their seeds to germinate. Its maybe not what we prefer but the Lord knows best what is needed.

5. Teddy, Pipsqueak and Biscuit are doing well, burrowing in their den, running rampant on the wheel and furiously chewing egg cartons. No escape shenanigans or anything. And she's still doing all their care.

On the Blog

On my Shelf

I have a few I'm in the middle of, but I started this one on the mining of cobalt, which is found primarily in the Congo, and is used in every lithium rechargable battery. It's not an easy read. Astonishing that after all the history of slavery we're still caught in the same traps of exploitation.

In Articles 

Not My DIY Project: How a Wife Entrusts Her Husband to God | Cara Ray (Desiring God)

"When conflict arises in marriage, or we’re dissatisfied with our husband’s spiritual growth, our default setting is not to trust that God will use even this to fulfill the good work he began in his life." Cara walks us through how Philippians 1:6 encourages our trust in God's good work in our spouse.

A Woman's Highest Calling | Allana Walker

You've likely heard it said, "Motherhood is a woman's highest calling." While it's an important role and privilege, for the Christian woman it's not the greatest. Allana writes from her perspective of singleness and why every Christian woman has the same calling, to live for the glory of God and the good of others, no matter what season of life she's in.

Hospitality: A Command for Our Joy | Kyleigh Dunn (Gospel Centered Discipleship)

"Our motivation for hospitality should flow from the commands of Scripture, yes, but also from our desire to help and be involved with those around us."

Moms, Trust God to Take Care of You | Marissa Bondurant

"In the Garden, the first thing God says that is not good about his creation is when Adam is alone (Gen. 2:18). We were made to be cared for by God and by others. It’s part of our good design. I’d argue that “self-care” is necessary, but not sufficient in meeting the very real, and very valid needs that we have as moms."

Let the Bible Help You Understand Depression | Kathryn Butler (The Gospel Coalition)

Here's a biblical reflection to help us understand the experience of depression and how we can see it through the lens of scripture.

Previously on Mosaic

• 5 Years Ago Mosaic (May 24)

• 4 Years Ago Mosaic (May 29)

• 3 Years Ago Mosaic (May 28)

• 2 Years Ago Mosaic (May 27)

• 1 Year Ago Mosaic (May 26)

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