Well, I have to admit that once again I don't know what to write about. This blogging every day has turned out to be one of the hardest things I've done for Lent. I think it's been a lot easier in the past to fast from things like caffeine or sweets or facebook. But this is harder... Abstaining from something takes one kind of effort - but doing something extra is different. It's a sacrifice of time but also has brought up all sorts of other mixed feelings about what I blog about. What is the right balance of honesty about struggles and sharing about happy stuff? What do I say on days when I don't have anything to write about? Especially when I wait until the end of the day! ; )
It is good, though, to be faithful even when I'm not feeling inspired. Life in ministry is going to involve lots of days when I'm excited and inspired and enthusiastic and feeling all of the blessings that God has POURED out into my life. BUT, it will also involve lots of days when I don't think I have anything left to give, anything left to say, anything left to feel - for myself or anyone else.
And yet I want to be faithful. I don't want to quit - with the blogging or with the ministry training or the ministry. Whatever it may be. Even though there may be moments or hours when I wonder what in the world God is thinking calling us into this. But I choose to remember - even today - that God's ways are not my ways. His resources are infinite and He isn't worried at all. Even when I have exhausted my energy, my strength and my understanding, His grace, strength and wisdom will always be enough for whatever He is asking me to do or be. And that is a good thing to know.
It is good, though, to be faithful even when I'm not feeling inspired. Life in ministry is going to involve lots of days when I'm excited and inspired and enthusiastic and feeling all of the blessings that God has POURED out into my life. BUT, it will also involve lots of days when I don't think I have anything left to give, anything left to say, anything left to feel - for myself or anyone else.
And yet I want to be faithful. I don't want to quit - with the blogging or with the ministry training or the ministry. Whatever it may be. Even though there may be moments or hours when I wonder what in the world God is thinking calling us into this. But I choose to remember - even today - that God's ways are not my ways. His resources are infinite and He isn't worried at all. Even when I have exhausted my energy, my strength and my understanding, His grace, strength and wisdom will always be enough for whatever He is asking me to do or be. And that is a good thing to know.
Day 33
Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
ReplyDeleteLuke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up
... just a little reminder for those days when you feel like you've exhausted all your strength and have nothing left to give. I have those days too. In His words I find comfort and rest, and a renewed since of hope and purpose.
If it encourages you,know that I look forward to "reading you" every day and I´ll kind of miss that when this is over. My Lent committment this year was to stay away from TV/computer etc past 9 pm when I work on the next day. Actually, it´s the first time I´ve done anything for Lent. Initially I felt guilty it wasn´t something "big" like giving up facebook but I´m sooo thankful that God reminded me I don´t have to do that to be a "good Christian." It turns out Melissa that I don´t know how I would have survived one of the craziest-busiest months of my life w/o that committment. God was sooo good in helping me get to bed earlier (which was the reason for the committment in the first place) so I could survive this month but also physically feel the difference of sleeping better. I had been BEGGING Him for that :).
ReplyDeleteMy committment is kind of finished because I´m on vacation now :). But it was good to see how wise, faithful and loving my Dad is :).
Just one encouraging thought--- about your blogging and WORDS in general-
And they overcame him (Satan)by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony and by not loving their lives til death. Rev 12.11
I believe you are blogging THE WORDS OF YOUR TESTIMONY and also writing THE FRUITS OF LIPS THAT CONFESS HIS NAME and that encourages others, including me :).
Not that you´ll have to feel responsible for doing it all the time later, but for now, if it´s what you believe God has called you to do, hope that is encouraging.
Love,
Mo
ps... looks like with the dates you gave me, I might be able to see you this summer! :)
oops... I just realized I used the wrong "sense" sorry bout that.
ReplyDeleteThis has been an interesting lenten sacrifice. You have blessed many though it. Maybe, there is a lesson there for you too. I cannot imagine blogging everyday either. But, it seems God has something to say through you each day. I too, will miss your daily entries.
ReplyDeleteSheri