Saturday, July 10, 2010
Today's Passage: Romans 8:11
Memory Verse: Exodus 17:11-12
My wife and I both have full time jobs, a marriage (of course), kids, and ministry. Don't get me wrong, we love everything about our lives, but having to juggle it all can be tiring. Having balance is the key, but sometimes having balance is easier said than done. No matter what you do, at some point one thing is going to demand more of your time than the other. In the midst of it all, Yas and I try not to let the "T" word enter our vocabulary. We try to take breaks by going places and trying to sleep in, but it seems there's always something to do. The devil plays in this realm too. He tries to make the enjoyable things of our lives tiresome because he wants us to burn-out and/or quit. If you ever feel this way, don't give in. If there seems to be no life left in you, remember this: God "energizes" those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out; young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait on God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don't get tired. They walk and don't lag behind (Isaiah 40:29-31)." What a power surge! When things start to come down on me like a ton of bricks, I remind myself Who I'm doing this for. I do it to bring glory to God. My daily service is a form of "waiting" on Him.
Usually, we think waiting is sitting still, practically doing nothing. However, God's word clearly instructs us to work while it is day because no-one can work at night. So waiting (according to God) means to prepare and to produce. Now this is not to say a long vacation in some tropical place where you're totally being catered to is not encouraged (or needed). Just know whereas that vacation is just what the body needs, it doesn't do anything for a depleted spirit. A depleted spirit needs a fresh word from the Lord. It needs to "wait" on God for its renewed strength. So instead of saying the "T" word, seek the Lord for spiritual strength. Whether you're in the Bahamas, or right there at home, God is closer than you think. He's waiting to breathe fresh life and renewed energy into you. He knows what's on your plate. He knows what you have to juggle to get through a day. So trust Him to give you what you need.
God will also provide relief through the hands of people. God has placed certain people in your life to help you in these times. You may know someone who'll watch the kids for an hour or so while you and your spouse enjoy a nice outing. Maybe there's someone you can trust to stand in ministry for you so you can get a break. Yes, the people around you are there to help you, so let them. If you don't, and you ultimately burn out, we all lose. Want proof? Exodus 17:11-12 says "It turned out that whenever Moses raised his hands, Israel was winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, Amalek was winning. But Moses' hands got tired. So they got a stone and set it under him. He sat on it and Aaron and Hur held up his hands. His hands remained steady until the sun went down." If it weren't for Aaron and Hur recognizing Moses needed help, Israel would've lost the battle. Also, Aaron and Hur didn't stand in judgement of Moses for getting tired. Instead, they immediately provided the assistance their leader needed. So, I challenge you to find your Aaron and Hur when you need them. They'll hold you up while you're in recovery. Don't give up. Your family needs you, your workplace needs you, and your ministry needs you. Find your time of refreshing in the presence of the Lord. He'll give you just what you need.
Prayer: Father, give me sweet rest in Your presence. The rigors of life sometimes weigh on me, but I'll never quit. I avail myself to You. So breathe fresh life into me. In You, I'll remain focused and energized, ready to do whatever You ask. As I praise You today, let the heaviness of life be lifted off of me, in Jesus' name...Amen.
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