One of my son’s favorite books ever is Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs.
The story is of a young boy. An inventor. An inventor with a wild imagination and a knack for inventing things that almost work wonderfully.
His mom urges him to dream. His dad wishes he would stop.
One day his greatest invention gains the attention of all those in his community!
A machine designed to make it rain whatever food you wish!
Ice cream! Steaks! Pancakes with bacon! Burgers and fries!
Spaghetti and MEATBALLS!
It’s great! UNTIL. Until everyone wants something different and something more. The machine goes crazy, the food falls faster than imaginable, the leftovers are piling everywhere and mass confusion is the end result.
Stay with me a moment. I know you didn’t come here for a book review.
I’m a little like the young inventor in the storyline. My mind races with wild dreams of things that can be done. Things that will help others. My mind races so fast most times I have to ask it to be focused on one thing at a time. Earlier this week I asked for prayer that was summed up in one word: FOCUS. Several have encouraged me to focus on God. I have direct verses of scripture to meditate upon. Some of which happen to be my favorites.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matt. 6:33
“We must focus our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”
Hebrews 12:2
Can I tell you that I do my very best to focus on God.
On Him alone.
But I will admit there are many things that compete for my attention. And many of those things are not bad. Often I am, like Donna mentioned in her last post, choosing between two different good things. Should I take soup to a shut in or visit someone after surgery? Should I participate in someone’s bible study or spend time with my family?
I focus daily on filling my cup full to overflowing, so He overflows out of me and into others. Here is where I think I struggle with confusion and I liken myself to the young inventor in the book.
I want to live out all the “great ideas” in my head.
Well, that is just not possible nor practical.
In fact it can be quite problematic! Like a big machine in the sky spitting out food!
It was all good food, but there was too much of it and it was misguided…undirected!
God has a plan. The plan and a purpose. He just needs me to pay attention to His plans for me. And in the words of a good friend I met at She Speaks, Kelly Balarie with Purposeful Faith, “Just Love God! Incline your heart to him and he will be inclined to work good for you – according to his amazing purposes. Purposes that surpass even your wildest dreams.” I get goose bumps!
I’m focusing. Focusing on Jesus. His example and His plan. I do not need to be a great inventor…the greatest One ever already lives!
Today I will focus, rest, and gain strength.
Focus on Him. Rest in Him. Gain strength from Him.
Then follow the Leader of my heart!
I will pursue His plan and watch for clear skies! I mean really, raining meatballs are not a good idea!
Will you pray with me?
Lord,
Thank you for your patience, your gracious loving-kindness. Thank you for hearing my cry for help and for adjusting my heart’s focus. Forgive me for stepping into the lead. I long to follow You and you alone. May our heart’s desire an unbroken companionship with God everyday!
Amen
Walking under clear skies. Join me! ~ Jodie
