When I don’t have my own words…

Posted on September 24, 2020 by Catey Stover in Victory Call

All of us who share our hearts through Victory Calls have these days. Whether we are distracted, seeing only the fullness of our plate of things to do, or our swirling thoughts refuse to come together, at times we are unable to think and create full sentences. But, then an email shows up in my inbox saying all that wants to burst from my heart but can’t seem to make its way out on paper. So, today I share words of another because my own don’t seem to express it nearly as well.

The sun beat down on the glossy water, gracefully reflecting sweet pigtails and a precious smile. Fondly I gazed at my sixth child, a special gift from God in her own right. We were walking together in the lazy river at the local pool.
Well, if you can call it “walking together.”
Anyone out there have a terrific temper-tantrum-throwing two-year-old?
(I see that hand.)
Sweet T was having a lovely time exhibiting her endearing attitude of not wanting to hold my hand in the water. So even though the water was up to her neck, she bobbed her way along the side…
Fiercely independent.
Refusing my assistance.
With no desire for my help in the least.little.way.
Until…
We reached “the buckets.”
A series of 4 rows and 4 columns of buckets that dump water right over your head at varying patterns. Too many for a toddler mind to comprehend.
The only hope is to escape at just the right window of perfectly-timed opportunity.

There was no bell sounding that the buckets were ahead. No warning that my pretty girl could readily identify other than seeing them.
Just the sudden urgency that something was bigger than she.
Water up to her neck was one thing, but water coming down from above at the same time? She would literally be in over her head.
This she sensed. This she saw. This she felt.
And then, Toddler T became completely dependent. A call for “Oh, no. The buckets!” paired with “Help me, Mommy!” made it evident that the earlier charade of complete and total independence was …
history.
I chuckled to myself over her response.
But the whisper in my heart asked:
“What is so funny, Child of God? You act just like that temper-tantrum throwing toddler. You want me to stand by you, but you bob along your merry little way. I’m here for you, Daughter of Mine. But if you will just rely on me completely, depending on me fiercely, you will find that you are not alone. That independence and freedom you seek will be found in Me. Not without Me. Those buckets? They are for your good.”
And I prayed.
“O Lord. Send more buckets my way. Fill them to the top, brimming over; so that when they pour out, I will be relying fully on you. If that is what it takes for complete surrender, I humble myself. Because the buckets are what make me…

Fiercely dependent.”

Jeremiah 17:7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.”

I wish I could give credit to the author who pens the right illustrations and words that echo in my heart, but I could not find her name on the devotional.

Today may you and I be fiercely dependent!!!

 

Written by Kathy Withers: Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves as Director of Partner Care. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 30 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and teaches a Bible Study for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.


Think About This: It is not my ability, but my response to God’s ability, that counts.” – Corrie Ten Boom

The Daily Bible Reading: Zechariah 7-10 | You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: 12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. -1 Peter 4:12-13

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.

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