Many times throughout my years of mothering I have felt on empty with not enough strength to go on.  This has been especially true throughout the years of health struggle and other physical infirmities.  I so often have called my husband overwhelmed at the fact that I was not meeting my own expectations.  His response?  But, you are still doing it.  You are still in the ring.  Using the metaphore of a boxing match, I might have received a blow, but I needed to get up again in faith.  I was still in the ring.

It’s so easy for us as moms to focus on the things we are not doing.  On the lack of fruit in this area or that in our children.  The housework that did not get done.  The projects that did not get completed.  Instead of focusing on those things we were able to accomplish.  The special moments we did have or the blessings we did receive that day.  I know I struggle constantly with this.  And I get discouraged to keep getting up in that boxing ring.

So tonight as I was reading in Luke a particular verse struck me.

^” Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.“

Peter was discouraged at the lack of progress and emptiness of the work from his all night fishing expedition.  But, Jesus told him to go back again…He told him to get back in the ring, so to speak.  To persevere.  To obey by launching forward when it seemed fruitless.

And we know the rest of the story:

“And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:”

Jesus filled the boats above and beyond what both the boats could fill!

So maybe today you see all the failure, all the discouragement, all the weariness.  Let’s get back in the ring.  Cast our net out yet again, asking for Divine blessing and persevere in our calling.

~JENNY

Do you know someone that is struggling with their health?  I would love to share with you what the Lord is using to bring me down the road to recovery!