Can't I Just Relax????

Have you ever thought that regarding your ministry? And yes, the answer is yes. But not in the way you think. To die is gain. We know this right? But do we live this way? To Christ we give it all...we say this right? But do I believe this ALL THE TIME? It's one thing when your in ministry day full throttle...but what happens when you arrive home, feet smoking from all the running you have just done for Him, and you sit down, and say, "is this my life?"

Oh friends. Let me encourage you on something I am trying to learn myself here. God IS a God of rest. He wants His servants to rest in HIM! He longs for us to grab all the strength we need from His unlimited source pools, and when we are tired, He longs to show us HOW to lay down beside still waters, and have our souls restored. So you ask..."How do I do this?"

And we pray this: "Holy Spirit...show us. Show ME how to rest in the midst of a crazy, seemingly endless, chaotic life that always begs for MORE." More of what? More of us? Surely not. The only person we give US to, IS GOD. The rest, He gives us to give.

*sigh of relief?* Me too.

It's not our strength my friends. It's His. The Lord Almighty. God of ALL. God of the universe (that HE created) and Lord of all we say and do...THAT is whom we glean our strength from. His resources are endless. His power, indescribable. His abilities? Whom can fathom. SO what are we so afraid of? Why are we so exhausted? Perhaps my friends, we are trying to do this thing, (our ministries) a bit TOO much on our own. We have no power in and of ourselves to encourage others, minister to others. It's only what He says with our mouths, and does with our hands that we can really do anything at all. How do we offer an acceptable gift of service to Him? By asking for the power, the will and the know how. How do accomplish anything that has any sort of kingdom value? Through HIS unending, matchless abilities. He will show us. His wisdom is beyond. His might is unspeakable. And guess what my friends? It's available to you. Let us unveil the means of grace. Our how, our why, our what, and when is God. Your confused? Pray this: "Show me Holy Spirit! Help me! Reveal to me, so I am no longer confused..." You are tired...pray this.." Holy Spirit, show me the best way you want me to rest..." And if you know I am not to rest...give me the energy." Oh and friends! He will. He is soooooooo good. And I am so thankful to have this GIFT of knowledge that I know that I can turn to HIM at any given moment, (and really, it should be without ceasing) for anything, anytime, anywhere...and boom. YES BOOM!!! I can be encouraged. just like that. And all I have to do, is say, "Lord, I am without anything that I need. I am lacking in all I need. WILL YOU O FATHER supply me????" And He will. And He does. And I am no longer saying..."can't I just relax???" Because His ways are higher than mine. He sees what I cannot...and He ministers to me more than any nap, or any vacation (or late') ever could. Know what I mean?

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him. ROOTED and BUILT UP in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were aught and OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS." -Colossians 2:6-7

Oh yeah, so here is the part I forget. When I'm swamped. When I'm done, when I would consider myself to be "suffering.." I am supposed to rejoice and be thankful. That's weird. Right? Wrong. Thankfulness is the response we ought to have when we know we are doing the only thing in life that really matters. So you are tired? He understands...and will give you rest...but what we need to recall when we are so tired is this: If we are tired for the sake of Christ, we are to be thankful. If we are tired because we are doing the things that WE KNOW He has without a shadow of a doubt called us to do, then we are blessed. We are blessed to share in His ministry. We are blessed to be living a life filled with Holy Spirit given direction, with God-fueled strength, and a calling that has the name of Jesus Christ written all over it. Yes my friends, in the Christian world...tired from ministry = thank you Lord. Because, (and I'm learning this still) His path of resistance, is better than the lonely, dark, cold, path that ends in death. (the path of least resistance) When you are facing resistance, it's because you are conquering things for the Kingdom, and believers in Christ on a mission: Let me tell you this!!!! Your ministry for Christ is the only thing that lasts. Nothing else matters except that which He has called us up to do. So the next time you (or I) feel worn out, tired, or just plain DONE. Ask the Holy Spirit to revive you, and as you look out at your ministry with a fresh pair of Holy Spirit awakened eyes, think on this: "For God so love the world that He gave His only Son FOR ME." You are saved. You are whole because He was broken. Waves of resistance? In His boldness we can face them. Tired? In His rest we can live. Overwhelmed? IN HIS POWER WE WILL SEE LIFE ABUNDANT!

This is the good stuff friends. So don't relax. Rest. "Come to me all who are weary, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST."

"Oh Lord, your beautiful...you face is all I see. And as the things of earth grow strangely dim...in the light of your glory and grace... Turn you eyes upon Jesus...look full in His wonderful face..."

Eyes on Him dear friends. Eyes on Him. And rest.