Misty Gullies

‘Jack of all trades, master of none’

I am surrounded by intelligent people. Ph.D.’s, Master’s degrees, CEOs, business owners, and so it goes. They are my family, my friends. So, I often felt like the lesser one. The jack of all trades, but not an expert at any one thing. Oh, I can sing pretty well, I scraped out a degree. I’ve done things I’m proud of, but I allowed others around me, allowed their gifts and achievements, make me feel lesser. Not enough.

They didn’t. I did.

This was years ago. He didn’t want me to be like others. I’m me. Jack of all trades was just fine. Being pretty good at many things is useful anyway – wife, mother, teacher, worship leader, friend, helper, family member. I realized I wouldn’t have been happy mastering just one thing in any case. Realizing this took way too long, though.

He said, ‘Blow up your balloons.’ A puff here, a big blow there, bit by bit. And, bit by bit, I have. Believing God, holding onto His promises, praying for them, stepping out in faith… Here’s one of those promises that help me be who God has called me to be-

“Be strong and courageous… act carefully in accordance with all the law… Have I not commanded you? Be strong and very courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:6-9

This is one of several verses I pray and believe over my ‘balloons’, over me. A verse I’m doing life with.

Our lives are never just about one thing. We have to work out our priorities. Sometimes family comes first, sometimes church, sometimes our workplace. Sometimes we press into busyness, other times we must rest. Following God is the most important thing. Our pastor described it as a wheel. Jesus is the centre. Our life revolves around Him. All the spokes, our various responsibilities and activities all flow from Him.

Brian Houston wrote recently, ‘The theme of your heart will ultimately determine the story of your life.’ (See link below)

“My heart overflows with a good theme.”

Psalm 45:1

As I reflected on that, I saw my balloons again, being blown up bit by bit. God reminded me that they wouldn’t pop.

‘Just keep blowing. Once they’re filled, they will lift you up.’

What an encouragement!

And I’m starting to feel that, after years of blowing. I’m feeling a lightness, a confidence, that I’m on track, that I’m doing what God has called me to. All those years of doubting who I was and what I should be doing, of thinking I wasn’t enough. As I look back, I see that I had the vision all along. I just wasn’t sure, I lacked confidence – I wasn’t doing what others were, so maybe I was wrong. I even spoke foolishness – ‘I still don’t know what I want to do!’ – when in fact, I was doing exactly what I felt God was showing me. Oh, I still have moments of doubt. But I keep my eyes on Jesus. He will show me.

He will show you, too.

Blessings,

Jenni

Actions

1. What is the theme of your heart? Which promises/instructions/wisdom from the Bible will you hold onto?
2. What lies have you been believing about yourself? Ask the Lord to reveal them, so you can repent and consider His truth, and renew your mind to His good plans for your life. Ask Him for courage to be you.
3. How will you ‘blow your balloons’? What steps of faith can you take to help achieve what God has for you?

To check out Brian Houston’s comments, go to the link below.

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/10498-help-me-i-need-to-change-my-life/day/6

Credit: Balloon photo from Pexels Free Photos