At The End Of My Rope

As a wife, mother, daughter, friend, speaker, writer, Bible study teacher, school volunteer, (the list could go on) I sometimes feel pulled in a thousand different directions. I have responsibilities in each of these areas and it’s often difficult to juggle them all. There are days I find myself paralyzed, not sure which item to tackle first on my never-ending list of things to do. I feel like I’m hanging on the end of my rope. Can any of you relate?

It is during these times of feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed, that I sometimes slip into the trap of negative self-talk. I mentally “beat myself up.” Thoughts like “If I just had more self discipline, then I could get everything done. Am I even called to speak or to write in the first place? Will anything I say or write make a difference anyway? Am I the best person for this? Surely there is someone better qualified than me. What about these kids and husband you’ve given me, Lord, they deserve better. I should do so much more for them than I am doing.”

Sometimes I grumble and complain about all the things I have to do. I lament to God (and my husband) “I can’t do it. I don’t have the time. I don’t have the patience. I don’t have the ability. I don’t have the energy.”

When I finally get to the end of myself, I ask for God’s help. I am reminded that this is the secret to being able to fulfill all of these roles in the first place, not depending on myself, but depending on Him, our Creator and Sustainer.

The roles I play are gifts from God, and I am to fulfill them faithfully.

Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:7-11)

I am called to be clear-minded and self-controlled, so I can pray. I am called to love extravagantly and not grumble or complain. When I speak, it is to be the Words of God, not the negative words of self. And when I serve in any area, it is to be with the strength God provides…not my own. The only ability I have to provide is my availability. Everything I do should be for His praise and not for my own.

When I remember these things, my perspective changes. I feel relief, renewal, and refreshment. I am no longer paralyzed but move forward with confidence in all the roles I play knowing I am faithfully administering God’s grace – the same grace given to me every moment of every day by the One who has all of the power and deserves all of the glory forever.

3 Responses to At The End Of My Rope
  1. Rosann
    January 10, 2012 | 8:52 am

    Amy, I love this post. It’s a beautiful reminder that even though I take on many roles, I can’t do any of them without God carrying me through. I need Him every moment of every day and I’m so grateful for His love and grace.
    Blessings,
    ~Rosann

  2. Barbie
    January 12, 2012 | 12:23 am

    As a busy full-time working mom, very involved in ministry, with a few extra things on the side, I often feel like I am at the end of my rope. Some days I want to pull my hair out and escape to the farthest corner of the earth! It’s so easy to allow our human emotions to get in the way. But God wants to help bring balance into our day. I must continually rely on Him for strength!

  3. […] being pulled in a million directions, just like Amy in her 5 Minutes for Faith article this week:At The End Of My Rope   As a wife, mother, daughter, friend, speaker, writer, Bible study teacher, school […]