I am challenged by this verse. I want to do good, especially to those I care about. Those to whom the Word of God has been received, and I have had the privilege of walking alongside. Where I struggle is with the time I have to give, and knowing the amount of giving I am to do. I struggle not to get in God's way, and yet be the hands and feet - the vessel - He would have me to be. My job is to not lose heart. To lose heart is defined as
a) to have one's strength relaxed, to be enfeebled through exhaustion, to grow weak, grow weary, be tired out
b) to despond, become faint hearted
c) as a woman in labor experiences before delivery - when the work is hard and painful, but also unfinished and unrewarded.
So, one of many questions remains: how do I not lose heart? What is the antidote? A better question: what do I do to not get in this place of weariness. For we are to spend ourselves (2 Cor 12: 17) for the sake of the beloved. I believe the answer is in the calling. To make sure I specifically am called to this particular path. This particular service at this particular time. And then, to make sure my own well of love and giving is filled by the source of all love and strength. I need to make sure my first priority is to spend time with my God. To know that I am a fit worker, cleansed and filled with the Holy Spirit's empowering. For He who calls is faithful, He also will do it. Then the weariness will be one of the body spent in holy service, not the one of a body and mind working against God's holy calling and equipping.
Thanks, God, for the reminder that this giving isn't about me, it's about You in me.
1 comment:
I've read this verse many times and not really thought before about the apparent contradiction of spending everything and yet not growing weary. But the way you explain it makes sense.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom (which is His wisdom in you). It is edifying and uplifting.
Post a Comment