We all know
Maybe you can identify with something like:
- Being the first one called on when someone else can’t be there that day
- Knowing that your life at home makes your husband’s life in the church possible
Even more than the daily things we all have to deal with, what do you do when you’re tired of believing for everyone else? Perhaps you serve in a place that is in dire need of a fresh breath from the Holy Spirit. What do you do when you believe that God really wants to do something new in the church, but you’re not sure if anyone else wants Him to? How do we deal with stifling opinions that tend to run families out of the church? What do we do with people who claim the grace of God but seem to have missed it completely?
Jesus loves the church. I believe Jesus wants His church to be healthy, loving and honoring to Him (see Revelation 2-3). So, where do we begin?
The word “remember” appears over 230 times throughout the Bible. I think it’s safe to say that sometimes we have a hard time remembering, given how many times the word appears in scripture. God has so many encouraging words for us, but we often forget, especially when we are in the fog of war (spiritual war). Discouragement is one of the ways the enemy works in my life and I have to beat him back with the Word of God. I am so quick to forget. But I am so thankful that God doesn’t mind reminding me.
The best thing you and I can do as ministry leaders, helpers and followers of Jesus Christ, is to spend time with Him. I can’t give out of an empty cup. I have to meet with Jesus to let Him fill me up in a way that no one else can. That’s when I can be the biggest help to those around me. I don’t see things the way God sees them. Therefore, I need Him to change my vision in order to see what it is that He is doing that way I don’t become discouraged by what I see or don’t see. He helps me to remember.
Encouragement
I came across this scripture on a particularly tough day.
I relieved your shoulder from the burden; your hands were freed from the basket. In
Psalm 81:6-7adistress you called, and I delivered you.
All of the sudden, I realized I was carrying a burden I wasn’t meant to carry. It was my choice to do so. I realized that it wasn’t my job to change bad attitudes, it was His! It is not my job to open blind eyes, it was His!
Jesus has more love, care and concern than I could ever have for His church. I may not know the way forward, but I know that He always has a plan, even when I can’t see it. His ability to work doesn’t depend on my ability to see or figure things out. My job is simply to follow where He leads. He’s in charge so I don’t have to be. He can handle anything that comes our way.
What’s burdening you?
What seemingly impossible situation has got you beat down? God is God of the Impossible. We simply have to give it to Him. We were not made to carry these burdens.
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
It is a choice. It is our choice. Let Him carry the burden so that you and I can be free to love and serve along the way.
