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"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply." This quote by Hudson Taylor is probably referring to provision monetarily and I totally agree with it and appreciate it. But as a member of the Sandwich Generation, constantly juggling the multigenerational issues of caring for elderly parents with babysitting grandchildren and wondering how I can find the time I need for everything, not to mention the energy and the umphhhh I need to get it all done – this quote is just as encouraging for those needs.
I was reminded of these words this week while listening to this year's verse by verse Bible studies I'm enjoying most days. Pastor Focht was teaching about the Feeding of the 5000 from Luke. I loved his comments about those who think "what do I have to give – I'm so overwhelmed raising my little ones – how can I help more at church or give more – HELP!"
My children are all grown up, but with young grandkids and senior parents and all the multigenerational needs going on, I could definitely relate. What an encouragement when he reminded us that we are to give EVERYTHING we are doing (including caregiving for all ages), EVERYTHING we have, and EVERYTHING we are to God, just as that little boy once gave his bread and fish to Jesus. GOD is all-powerful. He multiplied that food back then and HE can multiply our provision now – money, food, energy, SANITY. :). As Pastor Focht wisely pointed out, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Heb. 13:8. What an encouragement for this Sandwich Generation granny nanny – and hopefully, for you as well!
It all reminded me of one of the sweet old Christian hymns we used to sing (written in 1984 – it doesn't seem old to baby boomer me, but to my grandkids – it's ancient. :)) – We Are An Offering by Dwight Liles, including these inspirational words:
Lord use our voices, Lord use our hands, Lord use our lives, they are Yours, We are an offering,
I love this version of We Are an Offering recorded by Chris Christian from the Youtube Music Channel.
As our days fly by and our Sandwich Generation duties keep interrupting us, let's cling to the FACT that God can and will use us and provide for us – and keep giving ourselves to Him, day by day. As Paul taught us in Romans 12:1, "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." Encouraging Bible verses, all! And for more sweet blessings, check out Brag on God Friday and…
Caregiving is a calling from God and He can and will provide – encouragement for the Sandwich Generation :)… http://t.co/3ZpQsDMW
I don’t have grandchildren yet, Kaye, but I’m definitely busy caring for my parents these days. Your post and blog are very inspiring. Thanks for visiting me at Cottage and Creek and for your encouraging words.
Lynn
I just found your site a few days ago-what an encouragement! I don’t have kids or grandkids but I do have a husband working swing shift, animals, RA. OA, asthma, a heart murmur and fibro, along with a mother needing care. I love everthing you said today. It really spoke to my heart. Many blessings to you and your family.
So true. Everything we do for others is doing the Lord’s work. Thank you for squeezing Spiritual Sundays into your busy life. You are always an inspiration to many.
Blessings,
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte, for being such a blessing and great example! Have a blessed week. 🙂
Great perspective Kaye! We are an offering and I so desire to be a please one for the Lord.
Good write up, we are definitely there in the sandwich. But there is a joy with it also, grandkids are great. And serving those who gave you life and sacrificed is wonderful too, but it is hard to watch them go through it.
Thanks Doug 🙂 And so true! Enjoy those grandkids! They are soooo cute!