How Does She Do It? Growing in Grace and Managing Responsibilities

How Does She Do It?

Have you ever looked at someone and wondered, "How does she do it?" It's a question that often arises when we see someone accomplishing something that seems beyond our own capabilities. Perhaps you've observed a mother with multiple children, volunteering, serving, and managing her household with apparent ease. Meanwhile, you struggle to juggle the responsibilities of caring for your first newborn.

Fast forward ten years, and you find yourself in a similar situation. A new mother looks at you and says, "I don't know how you do it! I have only one child, and I'm barely getting by!" In that moment, you realize that you have become the older mom who once amazed you. But how did it happen? The transformation occurred gradually, day by day, week by week, year by year.

God has a way of slowly adding weight to our load. Sometimes it's noticeable, but most often, it's imperceptible. As I reassured the young mother, I shared, "I wasn't given all of this at once." God has been growing me alongside my children and my responsibilities.

Growing Alongside Our Responsibilities

We often underestimate our own capacity for growth. Just as a tree grows over time, adding rings year after year, we too can expand our capabilities as we faithfully steward what God has entrusted to us. It's a process that happens gradually, as we lean into the challenges and rely on God's strength.

In 2 Peter 3:18, we are encouraged to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." This growth is not limited to our spiritual understanding alone, but encompasses all aspects of our lives. As we walk with God, He equips us to fulfill the various roles and responsibilities He has given us.

Trusting in God's Provision

One key aspect of "doing it all" is learning to trust in God's provision. In Matthew 6:26, Jesus reminds us of the Father's care for the birds of the air, saying, "Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"

If God takes care of the birds, how much more will He provide for His beloved children? We can rest in the assurance that God knows our needs and will provide for us as we faithfully seek Him. This means we don't have to carry the weight of our responsibilities alone. We can cast our burdens on Him and trust that He will sustain us.

Prioritizing What Matters

Another key to managing our responsibilities is learning to prioritize what truly matters. In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary. While Martha is busy with preparations, Mary sits at Jesus' feet, listening to His teaching. Martha becomes frustrated and asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her. However, Jesus responds, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."

This story reminds us of the importance of spending time with God and prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else. When we seek His guidance and align our lives with His purposes, He helps us discern which tasks and responsibilities are truly essential. This allows us to focus our energy and efforts on what matters most, rather than being consumed by busyness and anxiety.

Growing in Grace

As we navigate the challenges of managing our responsibilities, it's crucial to remember that growth is a process that requires grace. None of us are perfect, and we will inevitably make mistakes along the way. However, God's grace covers our shortcomings and empowers us to learn and grow from them.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the apostle Paul writes, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." This verse reminds us that we don't have to rely solely on our own strength. Instead, we can lean on God's grace and allow His power to work through our weaknesses.

Support and Community

Lastly, we must recognize the importance of support and community in managing our responsibilities. Galatians 6:2 instructs us to "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." We are not meant to navigate life's challenges alone. God designed us to live in community and to support and encourage one another.

Seeking support from others who are walking similar paths can provide valuable wisdom, encouragement, and practical help. Additionally, being part of a community allows us to extend support to others who may be facing their own struggles. Together, we can share the load and grow alongside one another.

Conclusion

So, how does she do it? The truth is, none of us truly do it all on our own. We grow and learn as we walk with God, trusting in His provision, prioritizing what matters, relying on His grace, and embracing the support of a community. It's a journey of faith, one that requires surrender and dependence on the One who equips and empowers us.

As we navigate the responsibilities and challenges of life, let us remember that God is with us every step of the way. He is faithful to guide, strengthen, and sustain us. So, take heart, dear reader, for you are not alone in the journey. We are all growing alongside our responsibilities, leaning into God's grace, and supporting one another along the way.