Rachel knocked and opened the front door. “Hey Mom, I’m here.”

Carla exited the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Hey, sweetheart. I’m glad you stopped by. Do you want something to eat?”

Rachel laughed. “You’re always cooking.”

“Well, you still have three brothers at home, and they’re always eating. Now, come sit at the kitchen table while I finish making dinner. You are staying, right?”

“Sure. Where are the boys?”

“They’re at the park playing basketball with your father. That man thinks he’s still young enough to keep up with them.”

“I think it’s great.”

 “Yes, he is a good dad.” Carla moved to the stove to stir her sauce. “So, what did you want to talk about?”

Rachel sighed. “I’m worried about my new job.”

“As Christian education coordinator? Why? I thought that was your dream job.”

Rachel pulled out a chair and sat at the kitchen table. “It is, but I don’t know if I can handle it. There are so many responsibilities, with all the Sunday School classes and planning the youth group activities, and vacation Bible school planning will have to start soon.”

“But you love all of those things.”

“I just don’t think I’m creative enough, or experienced enough. What if I mess everything up? So many people are counting on me.”

“Did you pray about taking this job?’

“You know I did.”

“So you prayed about it, God gave you the job, and then you felt in your heart God was calling you to take it?”

“That’s right. Mom, you know all this. I don’t understand what you’re asking.”

“If God told you to take the job, then you’re doing exactly what He wants you to do. And he’s given you everything you need.” Carla put the lid back on the sauce and joined Rachel at the table. “Do you remember the story about when David went to fight Goliath? Saul gave him his armor. He had everything common sense told him he’d need. Armor, a helmet, a sword… But he couldn’t fight with those things, so he gave it all back to Saul and defeated Goliath with just a sling and a stone.”

“Yes, I know the story,” Rachel said, not understanding. Where was Mom going with this?

“And what about Gideon?” Carla asked. “He went to fight the Midianites with over 30,000 soldiers, but God told him that was too many. He ended up going into the battle with only 300 people, and his enemies turned on themselves and fought each other.”

“I’m not sure what this has to do with my job,” Rachel said.

Carla’s lips curved into a smile. “Oh my dear daughter, it has everything to do with your job. From the human perspective, going against a giant with a sling and a stone is foolish. It was unthinkable to attack the Midianites with only 300 men. In the world’s eyes, these men were not equipped for their battles. Just like you don’t feel equipped to do what God is calling you to do. But he’s given you everything you need. We don’t need much to do what God asks of us. All we need is what He’s equipped us with. And for you, it’s a willing heart. That’s all you really need. But on top of that, you have a love for Jesus, a love for children, and a love for the people of God. You have a way with people that puts them at ease. Children trust you. You, my dear, have a sling and a stone and 300 men. God will use you mightily.”

Hebrews 13: 20-21

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Dear God,

Thank you for mothers, who somehow find a way to give us exactly the advice we need. Thank you for equipping us to do what You’ve called us to do. If we are walking in Your will, You’ll give us what we need to succeed. Not success the way the world defines it, but the way You define it. Thank you for having a plan for our lives, and thank you for the peace that comes with walking in it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.