It was one of those Sundays when everyone was either crying or cranky. I didn’t want to go to church truthfully. I wanted to stay home, but I made myself go so I could be an example to my kiddos that church is important, and we go to meet with God - even when we don’t feel like it. 

Then God, being who he is, met me there. He met me very specifically. He did this through a guest speaker teaching on grace. Now, I love grace, and there are many ways I have seen grace at work in my life. So, I was paying attention and taking notes and in a better mood at this point. Thanks God!

Then God got even more personal with me! Suddenly, out of nowhere, the guest speaker shared this example, “You’re a mom of two kids, and they just won’t stop running around and you’re tired—God has given you what you need to excel.” Well, that was very specific! I even turned to my husband and asked, “You heard that too, right?” He did.

The guest speaker reminded us of how God promises to give us everything we need to excel.

“And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may EXCEL in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8

My friends know I sometimes say I’m “surviving, not thriving” when it comes to parenting. But God reminded me on this day that he desires for me to thrive and to even excel, not just survive. Not only does he desire this for me, but he gives me grace and anything else I need to excel. 

God gifts us with many things in this life. Some are easy tasks, and some are hard. A lot of the gifts God gives us are both. Regardless of what he has given you, he has also equipped you to excel and to thrive. I pray he reminds you of that today. 

Written by Jessica Sanders, foster care case manager supervisor for Buckner Children and Family Services in Dallas. 

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