Super Powers

At a bible study group last week the instructor asked a question at the beginning of class as a icebreaker. The question was, “If you could have any super power what would it be?”

My first thought was of a series of books that I recently gave my granddaughters called Bible Belles. The series teaches young girls that they have incredible worth within and in discovering that worth they find they have super powers just like different women of the bible had and shows them how to use them. Powers like prayer, patience, loyalty, bravery and leadership.

I knew that I already have those powers if I choose to use them, so my mind went a whole different direction. Elastigirl! She is the mother on the Disney cartoon Incredibles and she is described as an elastic and dexterous superheroine who can stretch any part of her body to great lengths, and mold it into several shapes and sizes. Not only that, she rocks the spandex!

At first I laughed at the idea but the more I thought about it I realized that was how I felt, pulled in many different directions, frustrated at trying to keep it all together and exhausted from trying to be everything and everywhere including working on how I look in spandex.

In perfect God timing, I was given an opportunity the very next day to try and be my own version of Elastigirl. I hadn’t slept well and was very tired. The dog needed a good long walk and upon my return home my husband told me that the coffee maker wasn’t working.

My phone began to ring before I left home with requests and additional tasks that would need immediate attention and as I sat down to try and have a few quiet moments with God all I could notice was the dust on the furniture and that my floors needed cleaned. Thank goodness it was Friday, but I still had a long list of tasks to finish by the end of the day.

Instead of springing into action and solving all my issues, I sat down and cried. I prayed that God would give me strength and was led to read a short devotional rather than my usual study.

The first words of that devotional were, “I am God with you.” Instantly I felt peace and knew that I was not alone, He would be with me through each task and request. My super power of prayer brought me peace.

The devotional continued with, “When someone irritates you, don’t linger on their faults. Gently nudge your thoughts back to me.” I had been irritated at a few people and this reminded me that God will help me work out the details. My super power of patience calmed my mind and helped me to think more clearly.

Throughout the day I had opportunities to practice loyalty, bravery and leadership. There were conversations that took courage to speak about what I believe and moments when I needed to lead by example. By the end of the day I was exhausted and ready for the weekend, but I also felt good inside. I had peace in my mind and joy in my heart.

I realized that when I choose to invite God into my day, I will have all the power I will ever need to face the day. I must never forget that long term victory happens one day at a time and any day can be a good day with God.

My Prayer

Father, I thank you for the strength that Your presence gives me. Thank you for coming to my rescue and saving me from trying to do it all on my own which never would have worked. You are amazing Lord and I pray that I will choose to use the powers that You have given me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.  For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline