For a long time I lived under the misconception that I was indispensable. I would panic if I wasn’t able to sing or preach, or visit someone. I worried that if I wasn’t able to take my children to school every single day, something awful would occur in their little minds… I worked ridiculously hard to achieve things that were not really that important.

At one stage during my four years at University I had chairs outside my room for the many people who came to see me during each day – such was my belief that I was the answer to their needs. Poor me. Poor them!

It is odd. And it is sad that I felt this.

I now know, more than ever, that I am loved deeply by God. But I am also aware that if I don’t do what He asks, He will accomplish His desires anyway. The Bible says that His word will go out and nothing will return to Him void without achieving its purposes. Even if I am tied up that day!!!

He can create something at the sound of a word and the flick of a switch. He doesn’t need to wait until my heart is ready and my calendar is less busy. Although HE LOVES IT when I am in tune enough TO BE USED by Him.

Recently I have not been able to do many of my normal duties in life. Others have come alongside me to cook for the family and help me with the children so that I could be free to look after Mum’s affairs with my brothers and my Dad. I bless them for doing that.

I have had to stop seeing friends, mentoring anyone and have been released from everything at church. It is a strange thing to realise that the world carries on. The clocks still tick and the grass still grows -even if I am not in charge or even taking my part in things.

The truth is God doesn’t NEED me to get His things done, but He chooses to partner with me anyway. But I am not under any illusion about this. He once used a donkey to speak for Him, since He couldn’t find a sensible adult to use!

Don’t be an ass! Let me remind you of this today if you are feeling stressed by your workload… There are many things God doesn’t ask us to do each day that we do anyway. There are very few things God does ask us to do, and do well. Work today with Him to decide which are which.

Remember, His plans for you are to prosper you and give you hope and a future – not to exhaust you and leave you without a shred of energy.

I pray that as and when you and I are able we will partner with God well.