Grace to you, Here's what the Holy Spirit is teaching me this week...

Sep 14

3 min read

Grace to you,

Here's what the Holy Spirit is teaching me this week...

Scripture:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3–4 (NIV)

Reflection:

Every year around my birthday, I try to begin my new year by giving the first of my days back to the Lord. I usually imagine a quiet stretch of time, breakfast with my Bible, lunch with my Bible, reading in between, no social media, no noise, just me and God.

So, this year, I started planning a solo weekend in Nashville. I told my mom about it, and like most mothers who don’t want their daughter traveling alone, she pushed back. She suggested I come her way instead, pick her up, and spend time together. And while I knew she needed a break, caring for her 101‑year‑old father, managing her home, carrying so much, I also knew I needed rest. I needed quiet. I needed time with the Lord.

So, I prayed. “Lord, what should I do? I need time away… but Mom needs time with me.”

Immediately, the Holy Spirit brought Philippians 2:3–4 to my heart. A clear answer. A reminder that humility sometimes means laying down what I think I need and trusting God to give me what I truly need.

And then He reminded me of a similar moment years ago. Around another birthday, I had planned a quiet day alone with the Lord. Before I could leave the house, the Spirit whispered, “Invite Frank.” I’ll admit, I felt slightly disappointed. I wanted solitude. But in obedience, I invited my husband. We spent the day together, and at the end he said, “Thank you. You don’t know how much I needed this.”

It wasn’t about me. It was about being a surrendered vessel, a jar of clay God could fill and pour out for someone else.

So this year, I surrendered again. I called my mom and said, “Come with me to Nashville.”

And we had the most beautiful mother‑daughter weekend. Brunch, spa time, shopping, rest, laughter, and even a stop at Dolly Parton’s Tennessean Truck stop. It didn’t go exactly as planned, but it went exactly as God intended.

On my actual birthday, I attended a funeral. It was the second funeral I had attended within 7 days.

And the Lord reminded me of His Word:

“Teach us to number our days…” Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

Life is fragile.

Time is short.

And humility is the doorway to wisdom.

This 41st birthday, God didn’t give me isolation, He gave me perspective. He reminded me that this life is not my own. I am a vessel for His glory. And surrender is often the very place where He meets my deepest needs.

Encouragement:

Listen closely for the voice of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes what feels like a detour is actually divine direction.

Sometimes what you think you need is different from what God knows you need. And sometimes the greatest gift you can give is your presence, your obedience, your willingness to be poured out for someone else.

You are a vessel.

Your life is not your own.

And when you surrender your will for His, He will meet your needs in ways you didn’t expect.

Prayer:

Lord, teach us to number our days and walk in humility. Help us surrender our plans, our desires, and our expectations so we can be vessels for Your glory. Give us ears to hear Your voice and hearts willing to obey, trusting that You will meet every need in Your perfect timing.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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With grace,