Some days I am weary, so tired I consider the prospect of moving from my bed as impossible, as if Everest looms before me and its unfeasible ascent is the agenda for my day. Some days, when I feel like that, I wonder, "Am I just getting old? How can it be that the Battle still rages? How can it be that I need to fight for every step of progress the church makes? Why does every step feel as if I'm walking through molasses?"
Some days I am weary.
So I wait on God.
When I wait, I'm able (as Paul told the Ephesians) to "make music from my heart to the Lord." I don't want to get out of bed. I don't even want to sit-up until I gain a bit of perspective. Then I can adjust my life to accept God's invitation to join again in HIS work...and experience God in the process.
It helps to remember I'm not the only one who tires. Every person in the service of the King needs some encouragement from time to time. Paul told the Thessalonians to "not grow weary of doing good." I imagine Timothy was bolstered by Paul's words: "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith."
I'm not the only one striving to press ahead. I'm not alone when I pray God will help me stay the course and run my race, even when fatigue threatens me.
I've learned to pause at the beginning of each new day just long enough to remember "the battle is the Lord's," As I wait, I'm encouraged. And as the Lord renews my strength; heaven's music fills my heart ... and I get up to follow Jesus.
I beg you; do not give up when waiting on God seems endless. God will help you.
Wait for the Lord.
Isaiah 40:30-31
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
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Hi Pastor Mark~
You are very blessed as you have two of the BEST ENCOURAGERS by your side - Jesus and your wife Sheila! I KNOW that because Jesus and Sheila have been a big encouragement to me as I lead the Elkhart K-2nd Kids Team:-) In fact, Sheila wrote me a nice note last winter and started it with the words "Be encouraged!" It was just what I needed to hear with all of the changes we were going through in Elkhart and in my personal life. Also the prayers that Sheila and Ann sent out to grow our team were answered by the LORD. I refer back to that note from Sheila many times when I am feeling discouraged about things in my life - I keep it right by my computer. She is a wonderful person - so FULL of Jesus - and you are lucky to have her by your side all these years!!! God Bless you both as Granger Community Church continues to grow!
judy dillon
Posted by: judy dillon | July 08, 2012 at 02:41 PM