We're tired.
Plain and simple.
The amount of work that needs to be done far exceeds the capacity of one pastor and one full-time mom.
But we struggle onward. We see God's hand in bringing us here, in placing us here at this time with these needs. We never doubt that this is exactly where God wants us. Even on those days when we long for a few hours of being anonymous and having people watch our children who are comfortable with our special needs daughter.
But we're tired.
"The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves as one who serves by the strength that God supplies - in order that in everything God may be glorified through Christ Jesus. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" (I Peter 4:7-11, ESV).
This passage puts it all in perspective. We might be weary but this is why we press on: "in order that in everything God may be glorified." The end of all things is near, so I'm grateful that God has removed many distractions from my life so that I can focus more steadfastly on loving others.
But what struck me the most is that we are called to serve by the strength that God supplies! Some days I feel so bone-exhausted that I'm not sure how I will have the strength to serve my family lovingly, let alone our staff, houseguests, neighborhood children, our interns, supporters, teammates, our missionary community here, ACTION co-laborers worldwide... the list goes on.
But guess what! I don't NEED any strength to serve! GOD WILL SUPPLY!
I didn't sleep last night (training a baby to sleep the night involves sleepless nights for mom). I didn't rest this weekend (weekends here just mean more activity since HOL children are home from school). But my attitude is so much better this morning after reading this passage.
May this strengthen and encourage you. Drop the facade. Stop trying to find strength in yourself to serve and love. It won't work. But God will supply the strength that you need to serve and love to his glory!
Plain and simple.
The amount of work that needs to be done far exceeds the capacity of one pastor and one full-time mom.
But we struggle onward. We see God's hand in bringing us here, in placing us here at this time with these needs. We never doubt that this is exactly where God wants us. Even on those days when we long for a few hours of being anonymous and having people watch our children who are comfortable with our special needs daughter.
But we're tired.
"The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves as one who serves by the strength that God supplies - in order that in everything God may be glorified through Christ Jesus. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" (I Peter 4:7-11, ESV).
This passage puts it all in perspective. We might be weary but this is why we press on: "in order that in everything God may be glorified." The end of all things is near, so I'm grateful that God has removed many distractions from my life so that I can focus more steadfastly on loving others.
But what struck me the most is that we are called to serve by the strength that God supplies! Some days I feel so bone-exhausted that I'm not sure how I will have the strength to serve my family lovingly, let alone our staff, houseguests, neighborhood children, our interns, supporters, teammates, our missionary community here, ACTION co-laborers worldwide... the list goes on.
But guess what! I don't NEED any strength to serve! GOD WILL SUPPLY!
I didn't sleep last night (training a baby to sleep the night involves sleepless nights for mom). I didn't rest this weekend (weekends here just mean more activity since HOL children are home from school). But my attitude is so much better this morning after reading this passage.
May this strengthen and encourage you. Drop the facade. Stop trying to find strength in yourself to serve and love. It won't work. But God will supply the strength that you need to serve and love to his glory!
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