hey guys,
i find it interesting that some of the most feared words we speak of in church aren't "sin," "hell," and "losing faith;" instead, it's words like "burnt out," "limits," and "over commitment." The latter list of words ARE important, but i wonder if our hypersensitivity to words like these are due to the fact that we're not serving God with the right frame of mind.
In samaria, after Jesus spoke with the woman at the well, the disciples prompted him to eat something to which he replied "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." (John 4:34). These words amazes and constantly inspires me! Not only is Jesus NOT being physically/emotionally/spiritually drained by serving, but he is somehow being sustained through these very acts of serving that we seem to dread! The concept of sabbath rest is not resting one day out of the week, it means being in God's presence and doing his will (ie everyday is sabbath for us) - in this sense, the words of Jesus shouldn't surprise us at all.
Most ppl, i think, are aware that between family, friends and church i carry a pretty heavy load. I am totally aware that i constantly tease the limits of what i can do to love others. What i want ppl to notice though is that there is no way I could possibly begin to care enough to do any of this if it wasn't for God. i am worse than NOTHING without Him. Through God i am able to learn patience and love towards my mother, I am able to serve the church wholeheartedly, and i am able to....well lets face it, write (hopefully) encouraging emails to you guys on wednesday mornings. My personal encouragement for everyone is to not be afraid of brushing against your limits in serving others, because it is only at the edge of what you're capable of that you learn how to rely on God, and only in that place that you learn what it means to be sustained by God instead of your own strengths and resources.
Now go serve, and have a happy wednesday!
Edward
another clip of simon's cat =)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s13dLaTIHSg
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ...Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:1-10
"We constantly remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Thes 1:3
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