Overwhelmed Part 2 of 5

Still talking about being overwhelmed.Why? No matter how different we are- some introverted, some obnoxiously extroverted (can't imagine who), some funny, others serious, spontaneous, administrative, laid back, type A. It doesn't matter. Six kids, no kids. Working moms, stay at home moms. Well or sick. Divorced or single.There is a common thread running through us all these days. (Feels more like tight elastic than thread.) I keep hearing you say that word. Overwhelmed.In Part 1 of this post, "Why are we overwhelmed?" [Please read first] I shared my heart with you, how God is who he says he is and offers to pull us up to our feet with his grace and power. We don't have to remain "buried or drowning beneath a heavy mass" By definition, the word overwhelmed means defeated, overpowered, engulfed. But He is the great overcomer!Don't go feeling shame right now, thinking, "Well, I must not be a good Christian or I wouldn't be laying on the mat unable to stand, much less swing a punch." That's what the enemy does best. Leads us into defeat and then shames us for being there. Stop with the guilt right now!Time out. I need to clarify. There are some of you that are walking through pain, sickness, and suffering. It's not your schedule, your priorities, or your commitments that have you feeling buried. I see you friend. It was not your choice. I get it. Some of what I share over the next few posts may seem like they do not apply to your situation, but please hear my heart when I say that nothing that has knocked us down is greater than our God. Sickness, divorce, even abuse. God is beyond our pain.He sees you. His grace will be enough to sustain you and this could be the suffering that produces a perseverance in you that God uses for his glory. Romans 5:3-5 says, "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. I hope you believe today that you have hope and strength through him to stand. Standing may require some resting first. Trusting. Waiting.Depending on his might in your weakness. You will stand again.I can do all things through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."  2 Corinthians 12:9Now. Let's talk. God is sovereign. Right? He's good. He loves us and has a plan for us as his children. Agreed? He came to give us abundant life. Yes?  So is he the one responsible for this state that we keep finding ourselves in as women? Does he overwhelm us?He is not an unfair task master, ready to punish us when we can't finish our labor in the impossible time limit given. Right?...Right?No. That is not who he is, but we take on that role every day. I am going out on a limb here to say that more times than not, we are overwhelmed by ourselves. Specifically in three ways.I hope that you will read the rest of this "series" this week. It actually came out of my own experience and seeking God for truth in it all. I just kept hearing the word. Out of my own mouth and from you. I have written so many posts about this topic here and there. I felt God had hope for us all, and asked him for answers. I don't have it all together, but I'm tired of laying on the mat. I want to stand in the strength of my God and fight.Will you fight with me? Reread Part 1 (Here's the link again Why Are We Overwhelmed? ) to remind yourself just how great he is. Be impressed with Him.Tomorrow we will talk about our messed up expectations and his perfect plan. All good girls and control freaks are welcome.